Wachovia was a major American financial services company that provided banking, investment, and mortgage services. Founded in 1879 in North Carolina, it grew to become one of the largest banks in the United States. Wachovia offered a range of products, including personal and business banking, wealth management, and brokerage services. In 2008, during the financial crisis, Wachovia faced significant challenges and was acquired by Wells Fargo. This acquisition allowed Wells Fargo to expand its presence in the eastern United States and integrate Wachovia's operations into its own, ultimately leading to the dissolution of the Wachovia brand.