In 1941, the U.S. Postal Service moved $9 billion in gold to Fort Knox.

Gold Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, 1989

No visitors are allowed at the Fort Knox Bullion Depository, and for good reason: About half of the U.S. Treasury’s gold reserves are stored there, making it one of the most important locations in the country. Also invaluable in its own way is the United States Postal Service, which delivered much of that gold in the first place. One of the most notable shipments occurred when the U.S. entered World War II in 1941, and a portion of the $9 billion was transferred from the New York City Assay Office to Fort Knox via the Railway Mail Service.

The Postal Inspection Service supervised the shipment, which required cooperation between the Army, Treasury, local law enforcement, and the Postal Service. The Bullion Depository was built on land transferred to the Treasury by the military in Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1936, and various precious items were stored there during the war. This included the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and a draft of the Gettysburg Address. The U.S. Mint Police protects the depository, which has been called the most heavily guarded place on the planet.

By the Numbers

Did you know?

The United States has the largest gold reserve in the world.

With 8,133.46 metric tons in its reserves, America holds more gold than any country in the world — and it isn't especially close. Germany is second on the list with an estimated 3,351 metric tons, followed by Italy (2,451 metric tons), France (2,436 metric tons), and Russia (2,295 metric tons). Aside from Fort Knox, the country’s gold reserves are stored at the Denver Mint and the West Point Mint in New York.