The Road to the Fed

<p>A $3 continental bill, c. 1776 (via <a href="https://www.amrevmuseum.org/collection/continental-currency-3-dollars">Museum of the American Revolution</a>) </p>

The Road to the Fed

The Federal Reserve System was established in 1913 in reaction to a history of financial instability and other economic challenges.

President Wilson signing the Federal Reserve Act

Federal Reserve Act Signed

The Federal Reserve Act became law in December 1913, culminating three years of debate

The old clubhouse, Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Meeting at Jekyll Island

The 1910 gathering that laid the Fed's foundations

U.S. "greenback" bill from the Civil War

National Bank Acts

The National Banking Acts of 1863 and 1864 marked an important moment in the development of the U.S. banking system.

This 1840s lithograph titled 'Custom House, late U.S. Bank" shows the building that housed the Second Bank.

Second Bank of the U.S.

The nation made its second attempt at creating a central bank in 1816

This 1830s painting titled 'Girard's Bank, late the Bank of the United States, in Third Street, Philadelphia' shows the building that housed the First Bank.

First Bank of the U.S.

Hamilton's grand experiment in central banking began in 1791