fort knox mint tours

Can You Do a Tour of Fort Knox? The Ultimate Visitor‘s Guide

As one of the most mysterious military sites in the nation, Fort Knox captures the imagination of Americans young and old. With its troves of gold, imposing security, and aura of secrecy, it‘s no wonder visitors are dying to get inside.

So – can you actually tour this legendary Army base? Keep reading, friend. I‘ll give you an in-depth look at how to visit Fort Knox based on my years as an expert in military history and security protocols.

An Overview of Access for Visitors

Let‘s start with the key facts on public access to Fort Knox:

It is an active military base run by the Army, not a museum or public attraction.

Tours are not offered except for rare special events open to vetted civilians.

Unauthorized access is prohibited. Only cleared personnel can enter day-to-day.

But while notoriously exclusive, there are some opportunities for visitors via military events, educational programs, and the gold vault viewing area. We‘ll break these down step-by-step later on.

First, what exactly is Fort Knox and why is security so tight? A quick history provides context.

A Brief History of Fort Knox

Gold. Tanks. Top secret documents. This trifecta defines Fort Knox and its mission.

The base was established in 1918 during World War I as a training center and tank facility. Its position near the Ohio River made it an ideal Army hub.

In 1937 , the now-famous Bullion Depository was built onsite – a fortified vault for storing America‘s gold reserves. Over 4,500 tons of gold worth $200 billion sits protected behind its 21-inch thick walls.

After WWII, Fort Knox became home to the Army Human Resources Command and other critical units. It also stores important historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and Magna Carta.

Given these vital assets, security is paramount. Some key statistics:

30,000 soldiers and civilians work daily on base

It spans over 109,000 acres (bigger than Paris!)

700+ security cameras and armed patrols enforce access

Now let‘s move on to the question on everyone‘s mind – can you get in?

Accessing Fort Knox for Special Events

Your best chance to step foot inside Fort Knox comes just a few days per year during these approved events:

What: A weeklong celebration of sea service branches with ship tours, concerts, and military displays.

Access: Limited to screened and registered civilians. ID and security checks required.

Veterans Day Parade

What: November parade through Fort Knox honoring veterans.

Access: Open to vetted civilians who apply in advance.

Military Unit Reunions

What: Former members of specific Army groups hold occasional reunions.

Access: Restricted to members of the designated unit.

As you can see, these closely-controlled events allow only small numbers of pre-approved civilians access to Fort Knox.

But for history buffs or former military, it‘s an exclusive opportunity to get inside one of America‘s most secure sites!

Booking an Educational or Recreational Tour

Let‘s say you represent an organization interested in bringing a group to Fort Knox for an educational or recreational tour. It is possible, but takes persistence!

Here‘s a step-by-step guide:

Research tour options. Tours cover topics like STEM, fitness, anti-drug education, leadership training, and more. Ensure your group meets age limits.

Submit application. Requires documents on your organization, goals, insurance, medical forms, roster, and more.

Obtain approvals. Can take months to get required approvals from base leadership and Army outreach office.

Consent to background checks. All visitors must pass criminal records and fingerprint checks.

Follow security rules. These include ID checks, bag searches, dress code, and more. Some areas are off limits.

The process is rigorous, but provides unparalleled access if approved. Over 10,000 youth participate annually in these tours. For schools or clubs, it‘s a world-class educational experience.

Limited Gold Vault Viewings

As depicted in action films, the iconic gold vault at Fort Knox looms large in the public imagination. But can you actually see the billions in bullion up close?

Unfortunately, the vault itself remains classified and off-limits to visitors. However, a nearby visitor‘s center offers a view into the vault antechamber from behind bulletproof glass.

You‘ll glimpse the gleaming outer door and interior entryway, but not the gold itself. Reservations are required months in advance. All visitors undergo TSA-style security screening before entry.

While you won‘t get an up-close glimpse, it‘s still a rare treat for the vault to even allow public viewing access of any kind!

Nearby Towns and Attractions

Given the tight restrictions directly at Fort Knox, I suggest considering the surrounding region as an alternative.

Within a short drive you‘ll find charming towns, natural wonders, and historical attractions to discover. Here are some top options:

Radcliff – Just 5 miles from Fort Knox; offers shopping and dining.

Louisville – A 40-minute drive away; explore this vibrant river city.

Mammoth Cave National Park – Massive caves to tour; 70 miles from the base.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace – See the president‘s boyhood home; 60 miles away.

When Fort Knox itself is off the table, experience the next best thing – iconic Kentucky culture , food, and scenery!

Quick Facts on Fort Knox

Let‘s round up some key stats on Fort Knox:

President Franklin Roosevelt visited in 1937 and was impressed by the gold vault security.

The bullion depot stores over 147 million ounces of gold. That‘s 4,582 metric tons .

All of the Army‘s gold is valued at $200 billion making it one of the largest concentrations of wealth globally.

After 9/11, public tours ceased due to terrorism concerns . They have not returned in the 20+ years since.

There are 1,009 buildings on base including 423 historic structures.

George Patton and other legendary officers were once stationed at Fort Knox.

Can You Visit Fort Knox? The Bottom Line

I hope this guide gave you an in-depth look at how to visit Fort Knox, as well as useful history and stats. The bottom line: Public tours are not offered except in special cases due to the base‘s security and gold reserves.

That said, occasional events and educational programs do allow civilians to step foot inside under supervision. For history and military buffs, it‘s an incredible opportunity!

While casual visits aren‘t possible, exploring nearby towns offers lots to see and do. And who knows – perhaps someday security levels will relax enough to allow tours. We history lovers will keep dreaming!

Let me know if you have any other Fort Knox questions. I‘m happy to chat more about this fascinating military base and its secrets. Stay curious!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 1 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Share this:

You may like to read,.

• Can Hollow Core Doors Be Used for Barn Doors? The Ultimate Guide
• Can I Call Elmo on Sesame Street? The Definitive Guide to Reaching Your Favorite Furry Red Monster
• Can I Hunt Deer on My Own Land Without a License in Arkansas? A Detailed Guide for Responsible Hunting
• Painting Your Plastic Shower Surround: The Complete DIY Guide
• Using a 90-Degree Elbow for Toilet Drainage: The Complete Expert Guide
• Can You Sharpen a Santoku Knife? An In-Depth Guide for Keeping Your Blade Razor Sharp
• Can You Use a Propane Water Heater Indoors? The Complete Expert Guide
• Can You Use a Wood Burning Stove Outside? The Complete Guide

Fort Knox, Kentucky

Michael Trevis

Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Part of our in-depth series exploring Southern Early American Forts

Patton Museum at Fort Knox 4554 Fayette Avenue Fort Knox, KY 40121 Phone: 502-624-3812 E-mail: [email protected]

Location: On 31W just south of the U.S. 60 intersection. The museum is actually on Fort Knox in Keyes Park off Chaffee Avenue. Visitors can reach the museum directly through the public parking off 31W. Alternatively, visitors may enter the installation through Brandenburg Station Road, Bouillon, or Wilson Road Gate and ask the guards for directions to the museum. NO WEAPONS ARE PERMITTED ON POST and the gate guards will not allow you to enter if you have a weapon with you. All gates require to show proper identification (required of everybody in vehicle over the age of 16), vehicle registration, and valid driver’s license. The vehicle is subject to search.

Handicapped Accessibility: Visitors must enter through one of the three gates (Brandenburg Station Road, Bouillon, or Wilson Road.) to utilize the handicapped parking spots immediately outside the museum door or park in the closer on post parking lot and avoid having to pass through the turnstiles of the outer public parking lot. This is advised for visitors in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available in the museum on request.

Guided & Self-Guided Tour Information

One of the key attractions at Fort Knox is the General George Patton Museum. This fascinating spot is home to a plethora of exhibits of great interest to casual and serious military fans alike. Unfortunately, they do not offer guided tours at this time. Self-guided tours are the typical means of exploring this institution. The WWII barracks exhibit is of particular note. Admission is free and opening hours are 9 am - 4:30 am, Tuesday through Saturday.

The Kentucky Bullion Depository is closed to visitors. US citizens with a valid ID can visit Fort Knox itself with a 5-day "fast pass." There is no need to pass through the visitor center as passes can be obtained online . The main visitor center is open from 6 am to 9 pm every day of the week. From here, you can obtain a 1-year visitor pass provided you are a US citizen aged 18 or older with valid ID.

Seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Holidays may have shortened hours. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, December 24, 25, and 31 and January 1.

Patton Museum is also closed when Fort Knox is closed due to inclement weather. Museum is open to the general public and admission is free.

Contact us by mail at: Patton Museum P.O. Box 208 Fort Knox, KY 40121-0208

Communities and Related Links

Have you visited this historic location?

Help out other Fort Tours readers by sharing a rating, then describe your experience below.

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this historic site.

Join the discussion Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Further reading

Hudspeth county historical markers.

Topics (click on a topic to jump to that section). Buffalo Soldiers and Indian Hot Springs | Byrne, Killing of General J.J. | Crow Springs | Fort...

1858 Butterfield Stage Ride Pt. 3

Previous Waterman L. Ormsby's account of the 1858 run of the Butterfield Overland Mail from his book, The Butterfield Overland Mail. Have you visited...

1858 Butterfield Stage Ride Pt. 2

Previous Waterman L. Ormsby's account of the 1858 run of the Butterfield Overland Mail from his book, The Butterfield Overland Mail. More Have you...

1858 Butterfield Stage Ride

Waterman L. Ormsby's account of the 1858 run of the Butterfield Overland Mail from his book, The Butterfield Overland Mail. More Have you visited...

Stories from On the Border With Mackenzie

The below story is from the book, On the Border With Mackenzie, by Captain R.G. Carter. These selected excerpts offer some fabulous insight into life...

Burleson’s Fight

Part of our in-depth series exploring the forts of Comancheria Ca. 23 December 1850; Loma Alta, Texas: Lt. Edward Burleson was taking his company of...

Reach Our Team

Recent posts.

• Adjusting to Life After Your Soldier Returns from Deployment
• Creative Ways to Celebrate Holidays During Your Soldier’s Deployment (Part 1)
• Celebrating Thanksgiving and Birthdays During Deployment (Part 2)
• Creative Ways to Connect Your Child and Your Soldier
• They didn’t have Facebook.

Recent Comments

• Scott Walschlager on Camp Mabry
• Marcia Chiappone on Quanah Parker’s Star House
• Micheal Keith on Ellison Spring Fight
• Summer Palmer on Indians Charge the Hamilton Home
• Michael dobbs on Chesley S. Dobbs

27 OF THE BEST FORT KNOX KENTUCKY THINGS TO DO

Introduction

Suggested Read

COVID-19 Notice

25 of the best fort knox, kentucky things to do.

Parks, Rivers and Lakes

Brandenburg, 1. otter creek outdoor recreation area, 2. saunders springs nature preserve, 3. tioga falls trail, 4. fort duffield park & historic site, falls of rough, 5. rough river dam state resort park, mammoth cave, 6. nolin lake state park.

Fort Knox Golf Course

7. lindsey golf course at fort knox, 8. lincoln trail golf course, shepherdsville, 9. heritage hill golf club, fort knox shooting range, 10. knob creek gun range.

Fort Knox Fishing and Hunting

11. hunt control office, fort knox sports and fitness centers, 12. intramural sports, 13. anderson indoor aquatics center.

Fort Knox Bowling Alley

14. houston bowling center at fort knox.

Fort Knox Gym

15. smith fitness center, 16. otto fitness center, 17. gammon fitness center, 18. natcher fitness center.

Fort Knox Attractions

19. leisure travel office, 20. fort knox water park, 21. long recreation center, 22. united states bullion depository, 23. louisville zoo, 24. kentucky kingdom and hurricane bay, fort knox museums, 25. general george patton museum of leadership, 26. kentucky derby museum.

Distilleries

27. distilleries.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and military discounts

3 Great Ways to Maximize Your Applebee’s Military Discount

Peterson Space Force Base Welcome Center

Does ADHD Disqualify You From the Military?

Insider Look: How to Become a Green Beret

Old News, Vintage News, Historical News, Retro News

Inside the mind-boggling security measures of the fort knox gold reserve.

Fort Knox in Kentucky is seen as the gold standard for security. Not just in America but the world, where the name is a byword for the highest standards of ultimate protection.

Technically its name is the United States Bullion Depository, with Fort Knox taken from the nearby army post. Knox comes from the first U.S. Secretary of War, Henry Knox. He performed the role between 1789 – 1794. The “Fort”’s purpose is fairly self-explanatory. In case of any confusion, another title it has is the “Gold Vault”.

Taking around a year to build, the project to house U.S. gold reserves began construction in 1935. According to the U.S. Treasury, the build cost $560,000. It doesn’t hold all of America’s gold but it contains approximately half. Run by the United States Mint, it’s part of a network of six facilities that protect this most precious of metals.

Other locations include the Denver Mint and the San Francisco Assay Office. None are as famous as Fort Knox and its credentials. A 2017 Daily Mail article says, “the depository also held the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution during the Second World War.”

The initial gold supply was transported to Kentucky by rail. Responsibility was taken by the United States Postal Service. As explained on the Mint’s website, “This was the only method of providing insurance for the gold because, at the time, the U.S.P.S. was the only agency that could accept the liability if any assets were lost.” Watching over the Depository is an Officer in Charge, with the Mint’s own Police Force ensuring no-one chances their arm.

Guarding national gold takes the right combination of secure materials. Fort Knox “contains 16,000 cubic feet of granite, 4,200 cubic yards of concrete, 750 tons of reinforced steel and 670 tons of structural steel.” The Treasury notes that “The two-story basement and attic building is constructed of granite, steel and concrete. Its exterior dimensions measure 105 feet by 121 feet. Its height is 42 feet above ground level.” From the outside it resembles a fortress.

Below ground lies a complex blend of impenetrable layers and cryptic security procedures. The vault is described as “a two level steel and concrete vault that is divided into compartments… The vault casing is constructed of steel plates, steel I-beams and steel cylinders laced with hoop bands and encased in concrete. The vault roof is of similar construction and is independent of the Depository roof.”

Weighing 20 tons and blast proof, the vault door is 21 inches thick and is only accessible via combinations. Staff who work in offices surrounding the granite stronghold all have different instructions on how to get inside, enhancing the exclusive nature of the operation. Talking of exclusive, visitors were not welcomed at Fort Knox for decades. Franklin D. Roosevelt managed to get the tour, but that may have been because he was President at the time of construction.

A delegation from Congress were allowed to inspect the facility in 1974, when it was suggested gold was being spirited away. Covering this momentous event, the New York Times wrote, “Stacked from the floor 8 feet to the ceiling in a vault 6 feet wide and 12 feet deep were 36,236 bars, glistening in the half‐light. The effect of standing in the presence of about $1,775,688,776.85 worth of gold in one room was awesome.”

Public servants weren’t allowed inside again till 2017, when Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made the decision to request access. Mnuchin formerly ran Dune Entertainment, where he was involved in films such as Suicide Squad (2016) and The Disaster Artist (2017).

He may have been aware of Fort Knox’s role in 007 adventure Goldfinger (1964). While the team couldn’t shoot at the Depository itself, they created an imaginary version that production designer Ken Adam felt better reflected its legendary status.

Read another story from us: How a Medieval Fortress Became the Most Famous Art Museum in the World

In terms of the legend, this is seen as a major part of the Depository’s reputation. From whispers about what exactly happens down there, through to wild movie sets from Bond’s finest, a lot of what people know about Fort Knox happens in their minds. As the Mint observes, “Perhaps the most advanced security system the Depository has to offer is its secrecy.”

The World’s Most Secure Buildings: U.S. Bullion Depository, Fort Knox

May 24, 2021

U.S. Bullion Depository, Fort Knox (Source: US Mint )

U.S. Bullion Depository, Fort Knox Facts

• U.S. Bullion Depository holds 147.3 million ounces of gold. Approximately 50% of the Treasury’s gold, along with precious items of other federal organizations, is reserved in the Depository.
• It held 649.6 million ounces on December 31, 1941, the largest historic amount of gold assets.
• Inspectors only abstract insignificant quantities of gold to check purity. Apart from these samples, no gold has been transported to or from the vault for several years.
• The gold is kept as the country’s asset at a book value of $42.22 per ounce.
• Typical size of a gold bar stored in the Depository is 7 x 3 5/8 x 1 3/4 inches.
• Weight of a typical gold bar is around 400 ounces (27.5 pounds).
• Only a few people know about the actual construction and content of the building. However, no individual knows all the techniques to unlock the vault.
• In 1937, the first gold reached Fort Knox by U.S. Mail.

Construction of U.S. Bullion Depository, Fort Knox

• 16,500 cubic feet (470 cubic meters) of granite
• 4,200 cubic yards (3,200 cubic meters) of concrete
• 750 short tons (680 metric tons) of reinforced steel
• 670 short tons (610 metric tons) of structural steel

Under the fort-like building is the gold vault composed of steel plates, steel I-beams, and steel cylinders fastened with hoop bands and enclosed in concrete. The building is two stories high with an area of less than 4,000 square feet (370 square meters). According to Mosler Safe Company, the vault constructor, both the vault gate and emergency gate are 21 inches (53 centimeters) thick and are made of the latest torch-and-drill-resistant material of the time. The central vault gate weighs 20 short tons (18 metric tons) and the vault sheath is 25 inches (64 centimeters). The vault gate is set on a 100-hour time lock and is seldom unlocked. To unlock the vault, staff members must enter discrete combinations known only to them.

Escape Tunnel

Surroundings, what is inside u.s. bullion depository, fort knox.

The amount of gold held at Fort Knox (Source: Bureau of Fiscal Service )

Hoard of Drugs

Historic documents.

During World War II, the gold vault served as a depository for the original copy of the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the original draft of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. In 1944, the documents were sent back to Washington, DC.

Magna Carta of King John, AD 1215 (Source: Moneywise )

The vault previously deposited precious objects for other government organizations, such as the Magna Carta, and the crown, sword, scepter, orb, and cape of St. Stephen, King of Hungary before returning them to Hungary in 1978.

The Holy Crown of Hungary (Source: Moneywise )

What Makes U.S. Bullion Depository, Fort Knox One of the World’s Most Secure Buildings?

Blast proof doors and roof, electronics, visitor restrictions, presence of army officers, secure your building with identiv.

Related Articles

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Accessibility

© United States Mint All Rights Reserved.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Latest News
• Stock Market
• Premium News
• Biden Economy
• EV Deep Dive
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit cards
• Balance Transfer Cards
• Cash-back Cards
• Rewards Cards
• Travel Cards
• Personal Loans
• Student Loans
• Car Insurance
• Morning Brief
• Market Domination
• Market Domination Overtime
• Opening Bid
• Stocks in Translation
• Lead This Way
• Good Buy or Goodbye?
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

What's really inside fort knox the golden secrets of the us bullion depository revealed.

You may be aware of Fort Knox from the James Bond movie Goldfinger , or from the old cartoon where Bugs Bunny tricks Yosemite Sam into digging up some of the gold bars and getting arrested.

But what do you really know about the U.S. bullion bunker in Kentucky?

The Fort Knox gold vault is one of the most secure and secret places in America. Because few people have ever gotten inside, the gold depository is a subject of fascination and speculation.

Here are 10 things we know — and maybe don't know.

1. It holds tons of gold — literally

Fort Knox currently houses 147.3 million ounces of gold. The government says the bullion has a "book value" of $6.22 billion.

However, that's based on a fixed price that officials set in 1973. Based on the current market value of gold, the reserves at Fort Knox are worth a far more impressive $273.7 billion , roughly speaking.

Much of the gold in the vault is in the form of 27-pound bars, while a percentage is in gold coins.

At one time, the point of having all of that gold was to provide backing for U.S. currency — but the dollar was taken off the gold standard in 1971.

2. Is the gold really in there?

So why does the U.S. hang onto its gold stash?

"Just in case we need it," is the explanation a former Federal Reserve Board chairman reportedly gave .

Conspiracy theorists have insisted that the government secretly sold off the gold and that the gold bars are actually tungsten bricks painted to look like the precious metal.

There's no way for outsiders to say with absolute certainty if there's really bullion — or if it's all bull. Over the years, there have been few audits to test the gold, or inventories to count it.

3. Outsiders rarely get inside

In 2017, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin led a rare visit by outsiders to peek at the gold reserves inside the Fort Knox vault.

He was accompanied by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and the two of them were photographed holding gold bars .

Afterward, Mnuchin had an answer for the conspiracy mongers. "Glad gold is safe!" he tweeted.

The last time Fort Knox had opened its vault to civilians was more than 40 years earlier. A congressional delegation and some journalists got a look at the gold in 1974.

4. Only one US president ever got inside

President Franklin Roosevelt commissioned the construction of Fort Knox in the mid-1930s, reportedly because the Treasury worried that U.S. gold reserves weren't safe from an enemy invasion.

Later, Roosevelt became the only U.S. president ever to set foot inside the gold vault’s titanic walls.

He traveled to Fort Knox to make an inspection in 1943, about seven years after construction on the vault was completed.

5. It's one beefy building

Fort Knox contains 4,200 cubic yards of concrete, 16,000 cubic feet of granite, 750 tons of reinforced steel and 670 tons of structural steel. The cost of construction in the 1930s was a mere $560,000.

The roof is said to be bomb-proof, and the main vault door weighs 20 tons and is 21 inches thick. The Treasury says no one person knows the entire combination.

The door is resistant to torches, drills and explosives — not that any of that matters. The real challenge to any would-be intruder is reaching the building in the first place.

6. Guards and more guards

Fort Knox is guarded by members of the U.S. Mint Police, one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies. It was established in 1792.

The officers undergo 12 weeks of basic training, followed by five weeks of field training. They learn a long list of heavy-duty skills, including weapons handling, cornering, door entry and room clearing.

If that doesn't seem intimidating enough, Fort Knox sits at the center of a 109,000-acre U.S. Army post and is a training ground for military troops from around the country.

7. A frail foreign visitor

Occasionally, the vault at Fort Knox has held other precious items, besides gold.

In 1939, one of the original copies of the Magna Carta — the Medieval English charter laying down basic human rights — was brought to the U.S. to go on exhibit at the New York World's Fair.

When World War II erupted, the delicate document was transferred to Fort Knox for safekeeping. The Magna Carta stayed in residence until 1947, when it went back to England.

But for a time, it had some treasured American roommates.

8. Very special guests from US history

World War II turned Fort Knox into a hotel of sorts for prized papers from both sides of the pond.

Originals of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution were moved to the gold vault out of fear that the nation’s capital would be attacked.

As the war wound down, the parchment was returned to its rightful home in Washington, D.C., in 1944. That left some room at Fort Knox for the next priceless guest.

9. Protection for a hallowed headpiece

Legend has it that Hungary's King Coloman, who reigned from 1095 to 1116, declared that the Holy Crown of Hungary, and not the king, was the true ruler of the realm.

During World War II, the crown was whisked out of Hungary to protect it from falling into the clutches of the Nazis or Soviets. It resurfaced in Austria in 1945 and was handed over to American forces.

The U.S. government brought the crown to Fort Knox for safekeeping. It remained there until 1978, when it was returned to Hungary by a delegation led by U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance.

10. America's medicine cabinet

What else has Fort Knox held, besides gold and historic artifacts? How about a hoard of drugs? Morphine sulfate, to be exact.

During the Cold War, the U.S. military wanted to be certain that it had a healthy supply of pain meds in case foreign opium sources ever got cut off. So, in 1955, Fort Knox opened its doors to tons of opium.

The government spent millions refining the stuff into morphine in 1993. It's still stored at Fort Knox, alongside the gold.

That is, if the gold is really there.

What to read next

Invest like the 1% and get in on these 5 alternative investments that outperform the S&P

We have the technology: Let a robot build the perfect portfolio for you

Mortgage rates fall as ‘supply is on the rise’: Freddie Mac economist

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Army One Ounce Silver Medal Becomes Available on May 7

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the U.S. Army One Ounce Silver Medal on May 7 at noon EDT. The medal is part of the United States Armed Forces Silver Medal Program, which honors the proud history and unique traditions of each branch of the Armed Forces.

Designs featured on this medal are emblematic of the history and mission of the U.S. Army. The obverse (heads) depicts Continental and modern soldiers “at the ready” with the weapons of their respective eras. They represent the continuity of the U.S. Army since its beginnings and its continuing mission to defend our country. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES ARMY” and “SINCE 1775.” United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Lucas Durham created the design, which United States Mint Medallic Artist Craig A. Campbell sculpted.

The reverse (tails) design juxtaposes the seven core values of the Army against the U.S. Army flag, with both the flag and its streamers lifted by a breeze. The streamers from several major battles have visible text, including APPOMATTOX 1865, LEXINGTON 1775, ABEYANCE 2014 – 2015, TET COUNTEROFFENSIVE 1968, and LUZON 1944 – 1945. Inscriptions are the Army’s core values— “LOYALTY,” “DUTY,” RESPECT,” “SELFLESS SERVICE,” “HONOR,” “INTEGRITY,” and “PERSONAL COURAGE.” AIP Designer Emily Damstra created the design, which Medallic Artist Renata Gordon sculpted.

One ounce medals in the Armed Forces Silver Medal Program are 1.598 inches in diameter and are struck in 99.9 percent fine silver. Each medal is encapsulated and packaged in a single presentation case. The Mint’s certificate of authenticity is included.

The U.S. Army One Ounce Silver Medal is priced at $75. To set up a “Remind Me” alert for this product, visit usmint.gov/us-army-one-ounce-silver-medal-SAR1.html (product code SAR1). To view the Mint’s complete portfolio of medals, please visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/shop/medals/ .

The Armed Forces Medals are also available for purchase through the Mint’s Product Subscription Program . Structured like a magazine subscription, this program affords customers the convenience of signing up to receive automatic shipments of products in a series. The shipments continue until the enrollment is cancelled. Visit the website for details.

The Armed Forces Medals are also available at the Mint’s sales centers at the Philadelphia Mint, 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (on 5th Street between Arch Street and Race Street); at the Denver Mint, 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 (on Cherokee Street, between West Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue); and from the Mint Headquarters Coin Store in Washington, D.C., 801 9th St. NW, Washington, DC 20220.

About the United States Mint Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; Silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of May 7, 2024, at noon EDT.

Please use the Mint’s catalog site at catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on products and services or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

• Visit https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/medals/us-armed-forces to learn more about the United States Armed Forces Silver Medals Program.
• Visit https://www.usmint.gov/about for information about the United States Mint.
• Visit and subscribe to the United States Mint’s YouTube channel to view videos about the United States Mint.
• Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/email-signup to subscribe to United States Mint electronic product notifications, news releases, public statements, and the monthly educational newsletter, Lessons That Make Cents.
• Sign up for RSS Feeds from the United States Mint and follow us on Facebook , X , and Instagram .

United States Mint – Connecting America through Coins

A list of linkable tags for topics mentioned on this page.

• Press Release
• Silver Medal
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Accessibility

© United States Mint All Rights Reserved.