Simone Lawson
The original copy of the US Constitution has been moved several times since its creation. By 1796, the Constitution was in the custody of the Department of State, and it travelled with the federal government from New York to Philadelphia to Washington. In 1814, it was moved to Leesburg, Virginia, before the imminent British attack on Washington. During World War II, it was moved to the United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, where it remained until September 1944. In 1952, it was moved to its current home, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location after the Mill | Leesburg, VA |
| Location in 1941 | United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky |
| Location since 1952 | National Archives Building, Washington, DC |
| Display | Displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom |
| Displayed every day? | No, only on September 17 |
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What You'll Learn
- The US Constitution was moved to the United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1941
- It remained there until September 1944
- In 1951, a study was conducted to examine its storage conditions
- The document was re-encased in glass with special light filters, inert gas, and controlled humidity
- Since 1952, the Constitution has been displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
The US Constitution was moved to the United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1941
The US Constitution has had a tumultuous history, with its physical preservation taking precedence at various points in time. During World War II in 1941, the Constitution was relocated to the United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, a location renowned for its security and ability to safeguard valuable items. This move was undertaken to protect the precious document during a period of global conflict.
The United States Bullion Depository, often referred to as Fort Knox, is a highly secure facility known for its robust protection of the nation's gold reserves. Selecting this location for the temporary safekeeping of the Constitution underscored the importance placed on preserving this foundational document. The Constitution's transfer to Fort Knox reflected a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of damage or loss during the tumultuous years of the Second World War.
The decision to relocate the Constitution to Fort Knox was a prudent one, ensuring its safety during a turbulent era. This relocation was not the first time the document had been moved for preservation purposes. In 1796, the Constitution was in the custody of the Department of State and travelled alongside the federal government from New York to Philadelphia to Washington. In 1814, with the imminent threat of a British attack on Washington, the Constitution was discreetly relocated to Leesburg, Virginia, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to protect the document from harm.
The period of the Constitution's stay at Fort Knox lasted until September 1944. Following this, a significant development occurred in 1951, with a study conducted by the National Bureau of Standards that scrutinised the document's storage conditions. This study precipitated changes in how the Constitution was preserved, leading to its re-encasement in glass. This new encasement incorporated special light filters, inert gas, and controlled humidity levels to better protect the document.
In 1952, the Constitution found a new home in the National Archives, specifically in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. This move signified a shift from secure storage to public accessibility, allowing interested individuals to view the document firsthand. The National Archives Building, located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW in Washington, DC, became the custodian of this important piece of history. The Constitution has since undergone further preservation treatments and modern display case upgrades in 2001 and 2003, respectively, ensuring its longevity for future generations to appreciate.
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It remained there until September 1944
During World War II, the Constitution was moved to the United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, for safekeeping. It remained there for three years, from 1941 to September 1944.
The relocation of the Constitution during World War II reflected the importance of preserving this foundational document. The United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, was chosen as a secure location to protect the Constitution from potential threats and ensure its preservation for future generations.
The decision to move the Constitution to Fort Knox was a precautionary measure taken by the US government to safeguard the nation's most valuable historical documents during a time of global conflict. The Constitution, being a cornerstone of American democracy, warranted the utmost protection.
During its time in Fort Knox, the Constitution was kept in a secure environment, ensuring its physical integrity. The United States Bullion Depository is known for its robust security measures and state-of-the-art facilities, making it an ideal location to safeguard valuable items, including the Constitution, during turbulent times.
In September 1944, with the war still ongoing, the Constitution was relocated from Fort Knox to another secure location. The exact details of its movement are not publicly available, but the document's security and preservation remained a top priority for the US government.
The subsequent years saw continued efforts to ensure the Constitution's preservation and accessibility. In 1951, a study conducted by the National Bureau of Standards re-encased the document in glass with special light filters, inert gas, and controlled humidity to better preserve it.
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In 1951, a study was conducted to examine its storage conditions
In 1951, a study was conducted by the National Bureau of Standards to examine the storage conditions of the Constitution. The study found that the document was not being stored optimally, and as a result, a series of changes were implemented to improve its preservation.
The Constitution had been subjected to damaging conditions in the past. For example, in the early years, it was displayed on the walls of various government buildings in Washington, exposing it to prolonged sunlight. It was also reproduced by early calligraphers, which would have caused further deterioration.
Recognizing the need for improved preservation, the 1951 study recommended re-encasing the Constitution in glass with special light filters, inert gas, and controlled humidity levels. These measures aimed to protect the document from the damaging effects of light, humidity, and environmental contaminants.
Following the study's recommendations, the Constitution was moved to the National Archives in 1952, where it has remained ever since. The new encasements addressed the issues identified in the study, including proper humidity control and the use of argon gas instead of helium.
The National Archives Building, located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW in Washington, DC, provides a suitable environment for the Constitution's preservation. The document is now well-protected and has been displayed to the public, attracting millions of visitors each year.
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The document was re-encased in glass with special light filters, inert gas, and controlled humidity
The US Constitution has had a tumultuous history, with its location changing several times over the years. During World War II, the Constitution was relocated to the United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, from 1941 to September 1944, to ensure its safety. Subsequently, in 1951, a study was conducted to assess the preservation methods used for the Constitution, leading to its transfer to the National Archives in 1952.
The special light filters played a crucial role in preserving the Constitution. Light, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can cause fading and degradation of paper and ink over time. By filtering out harmful UV rays, the light filters helped prevent discolouration and ensured the ink remained intact. Additionally, the filters may have been designed to reduce the amount of visible light reaching the document, as prolonged exposure to light can also contribute to fading and deterioration.
The controlled environment within the encasement not only protected the Constitution from physical damage but also helped maintain its structural integrity. Humidity plays a critical role in preserving paper-based artefacts. Excessive moisture can promote the growth of mould and bacteria, leading to discolouration, odour, and structural damage. On the other hand, extremely low humidity can make the paper brittle and fragile, increasing the risk of tearing or flaking. By maintaining the relative humidity within the optimal range of 25% to 35%, the document was safeguarded from these potential issues.
The measures taken to re-encase the Constitution in glass with special light filters, inert gas, and controlled humidity were essential for its preservation. These steps ensured the document's longevity, protecting it from the detrimental effects of light exposure, humidity fluctuations, and physical contact. By implementing these preservation techniques, the National Archives demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding this pivotal document in American history for future generations to appreciate and study.
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Since 1952, the Constitution has been displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
The United States Constitution has had a tumultuous journey since its inception, with the precious document being moved around the country to protect it from harm. During the early years, the Constitution was subjected to prolonged damaging sunlight as it was displayed in various government buildings in Washington. Thankfully, it was moved to safety in Leesburg, Virginia, before the British attacked Washington in 1814.
The Constitution has been stored in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., since 1952, alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. The room that houses these documents is called the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, and it is open to the public. Anyone who purchases a ticket can view these pivotal documents first-hand.
The preservation and display of the Constitution have undergone several improvements over the years. In 1951, a study was conducted by the National Bureau of Standards to examine the document's storage conditions. The following year, the Constitution was re-encased in glass with special light filters, inert gas, and controlled humidity.
In 2001, the Constitution was temporarily removed from its case for preservation treatment and was installed in modern display cases in 2003. The new encasements featured a gap between the document and the top layer of glass, with humidity controlled between 25% and 35%. Argon gas replaced helium in the new cases. These measures ensure the Constitution remains accessible for future generations to admire.
The Constitution's journey reflects the nation's history, and its current home in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom ensures its preservation for generations to come.
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Frequently asked questions
In 1952, the Constitution was moved to the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
The Constitution is currently stored in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., in a room called the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.
The Constitution is stored alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
