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July 4, 2026
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History Overview

The Treasury Department and the Treasury building have a rich history. From the 1789 Act of Congress that established the department to the construction of its first Washington, D.C. building, this section will give you a valuable insight into Treasury's development and history.

History of the Treasury Department

Learn about the history of the Treasury Department, its organizational growth, the development of our functions, and stories of the Treasury bureaus.

The Treasury Building

Learn more about the historic Treasury Building located in Washington D.C. and find information on registering for tours.

Treasury Curator

The Office of the Curator at the U.S. Department of the Treasury guides the preservation of the historic buildings of the Department, cares for the cultural resources, and provides museum quality collection management.

The Collection

The Treasury Collection is composed of paintings, prints, photographs, furniture, decorative arts, sculpture, and architectural fragments.

The Freedman's Bank Building

Learn about the Freedman's Bank which originally stood where the Treasury Annex was erected.

Key Milestones

1789

Treasury Department established by Act of Congress on September 2, 1789. Alexander Hamilton appointed as the first Secretary of the Treasury.

1792

The U.S. Mint is established in Philadelphia, beginning the production of American coinage.

1862

Bureau of Internal Revenue created to collect taxes to fund the Civil War.

1865

The United States Secret Service is established as a bureau of the Treasury to combat counterfeiting.

1913

The Federal Reserve System is created by the Federal Reserve Act, establishing the central banking system.

1920

Bureau of Engraving and Printing takes over production of all U.S. postage stamps.

1970

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms established as a separate bureau.

2003

ATF, FLETC, U.S. Customs, and Secret Service transferred to the Department of Homeland Security.

2004

Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI) established.

2010

Dodd-Frank Act establishes the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and the Office of Financial Research (OFR).

2025

Scott Bessent sworn in as 79th Secretary of the Treasury.