Fort Knox Base Information & History

Fort Knox is one of the most storied military installations in America, with a history spanning more than a century and a mission that has evolved from training artillery troops to housing the nation's gold reserves to serving as the headquarters for the Army's Human Resources Command.

The Basics

• Location: Hardin, Meade, and Bullitt Counties, Kentucky
• Size: Approximately 109,000 acres
• Named for: Henry Knox, first U.S. Secretary of War
• Nearest city: Radcliff (adjacent), Elizabethtown (15 miles south)
• ZIP code: 40121

Current Mission

Fort Knox today serves as home to several important commands:

• U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC): The Army's personnel management headquarters, handling assignments, promotions, and career management for all soldiers
• U.S. Army Cadet Command: Overseeing all ROTC programs nationwide
• U.S. Army Recruiting Command: Managing Army recruiting operations
• U.S. Bullion Depository: The famous gold vault, holding a large portion of the nation's gold reserves

History

World War I & Early Years

Fort Knox was established in 1918 as Camp Knox, a training camp for field artillery troops during World War I. Named after Major General Henry Knox, the Continental Army's chief artillery officer and America's first Secretary of War, the installation grew rapidly during the war years.

Home of Armor

Fort Knox became famous as the Home of Armor and the U.S. Army Armor School, where generations of tank crews and armored vehicle operators trained. For decades, the sound of M1 Abrams tanks on the training ranges was part of daily life. The Armor School relocated to Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) in 2011 as part of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC).

The Gold Vault

In 1936, the U.S. Bullion Depository was constructed on Fort Knox to house the nation's gold reserves. The vault, which holds approximately 4,580 tons of gold, became one of the most famous buildings in America. The Depository is not open to the public and is protected by its own security force.

Modern Era

Following BRAC realignment, Fort Knox transitioned from a combat training post to a headquarters installation. The arrival of Human Resources Command and other commands brought thousands of military and civilian personnel, reshaping the local economy and housing market. Today, Fort Knox remains a major economic driver for the region.

Living Near Fort Knox

Fort Knox's presence has shaped the communities around it for over a century. Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Vine Grove, and Brandenburg all serve the Fort Knox community with housing, schools, and services. The steady military population provides economic stability and a diverse, welcoming community character.