The Federal Reserve's History
The Federal Reserve System (“Fed”) is the central bank of the United States. This website serves as a gateway to the history of the Federal Reserve for educators, students, and the general public. The site's purpose is to help demystify the Fed and its role in the economy and to explain how the Fed and its mission have evolved. Learn more in this overview essay on the Fed's history
Fedwire
Since 1915, the Federal Reserve has operated a wire payment system, known today as Fedwire®Image Description: Fedwire
Image Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta archives
For Educators
Our "Teaching and Learning" page provides links to classroom and research resources for teachers, students, librarians, and anyone else interested in learning more about the story of the Federal Reserve and its role in United States history. View classroom resources
Browse essays by theme, including the Fed’s purposes and functions, major events in American economic history, and the evolution of the Fed’s policy mandate.
What's New
Our newest essay explores the history of electronic point-of-sale payments (2024-09-25)
A new essay describes the Fed's response to the financial effects of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks (2024-09-10)
A page for Beth M. Hammack, the Cleveland Fed's new president, has been added (2024-08-21)