Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT)

Founded in 1848 with 82 original members, it had an active cash and forward contracting business at first. Although the records were destroyed in the fire of 1871, it is agreed that futures contracts were being traded there during the 1860s. Today, the CBOT is the largest exchange in the world. It is known for its grain, gold, and Treasury Bond futures, as well as options on T-Bond futures. The Chicago Board of Trade is located at 141 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604.