Wachovia Corporation was a major financial services company based in the United States. Founded in 1879, it provided a range of banking services, including retail banking, investment banking, and wealth management. Wachovia became one of the largest banks in the U.S. before its acquisition by Wells Fargo in 2008 during the financial crisis. The company's headquarters were located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wachovia was known for its strong presence in the southeastern U.S. and had a significant impact on the banking industry. Its merger with First Union Corporation in 2001 helped expand its reach and services.