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All the United States Washington, D.C. National Archives Vault

National Archives Vault

An atomic bomb-proof strongbox protects the U.S. Constitution from terrorists and thieves.

Washington, D.C.

Added By
Elliot Carter
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The Mosler safe under construction   National Archives
The Mosler safe under construction   National Archives
Scale model depicts the Mosler Vault   https://catalog.archives.gov/id/35810804
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About

The National Archives building in Washington, D.C. houses some of the United States' most foundational texts, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. These three documents are collectively known as the Charters of Freedom, and could be the most closely guarded pieces of paper on the planet.

During the day these important texts are available for public viewing under bulletproof glass and constant guard. But every night (and at the press of a button, should the need arise) a special elevator pulls them underground into a custom-built armored vault.

The original vault was built in 1953 by the Mosler Safe Company. The firm was the logical choice, having previously taken on notable achievements like the gold bullion vault at Fort Knox, and a bank vault in Hiroshima that survived an atomic bomb.

The original, 55-ton Mosler Vault was the size of a walk-in closet and employed a 20-foot scissor jack to raise and lower the Charters of Freedom. A 1953 documentary shows the lift in operation here. The Mosler Vault was replaced in the early 2000s as the National Archive underwent a major $110 million renovation. The current vault, designed by Diebold, is still shrouded in secrecy.

Related Tags

Archive History Security Government Founding Fathers Secret Atom Bombs

Know Before You Go

The National Archives building is open to the public 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Community Contributors

Added By

Elliot Carter

Edited By

AF, MagnumPI

  • AF
  • MagnumPI

Published

January 24, 2017

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  • https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2015/12/17/protecting-the-bill-of-rights-the-mosler-vault/
National Archives Vault
700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, District of Columbia
United States
38.892435, -77.022687
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