Yes, it's safe... and it's huge!
Fort Knox covers over 109,000 acres in Kentucky and spans across three counties: Meade, Hardin & Bullitt. Military members and their families call it home, as well as residents not associated with the base.
The thought of Fort Knox has become synonymous with high security, impermeability and great wealth. While it is a highly-guarded facility and one of the most important parts of the country’s protective services, most people aren’t familiar with why it is such a prolific site.
Named after Henry Knox, a general in the American Revolution and the first secretary of war, Fort Knox opened as a military camp in 1918. As it has always been home to the country’s best armed forces training facilities, it is also known for its connection to the US Mint and the US Gold Depository.
Housed deep beneath the facility under concrete and steel is 147.3 million ounces of the country’s gold, valued at approximately $182 billion dollars. Kept in a chambered vault, the gold is protected by the most up-to-date technology available in the world. It is a classified facility; No guests are permitted under any circumstances.
In addition to keeping gold, the Bullion Depository at Fort Knox has also held some very important historical documents. The Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the Magna Carta have all called this vault their home at one time.
While visitors will not have access to the gold vault or any other top secret information at Fort Knox, they can check out the General George Patton Museum. There, a collection of German vehicles, weapons, and other military articles dating from World War II can be seen.
Known foremost as a military base, Fort Knox handles some of the best training available in the world for armed forces. Located on site is the Armored School for the US Army and US Armor Center. The army conducts basic combat training at Fort Knox and it is home to the ROTC Leader’s Training Course used by both the US Army and Marine Corps.
With over 23,000 residents of soldiers, family members and civilians, Fort Knox is a crucial part of not only the United States defense system but also the entire country’s history. It has the prestige of being not only one of the safest places in the world, but also one of the richest! How many outsiders would think Kentucky held that distinction?!
