On This Day: The U.S. Treasury Was Established

On September 2nd, 1789, the third Presidential cabinet department, the U.S. Treasury, was established by Congress. The history of the Department of the Treasury began in the turmoil of the American Revolution, when the Continental Congress at Philadelphia deliberated the crucial issue of financing a war of independence against Great Britain.  The Congress had no power to levy and collect taxes, nor was there a tangible basis for securing funds from foreign investors or governments.  The delegates resolved to issue paper money in the form of bills of credit, promising redemption in coin on faith in the revolutionary cause.  

The First Congress of the United States was called to convene in New York on March 4, 1789, marking the beginning of government under the Constitution.  On September 2, 1789, Congress created a permanent institution for the management of government finance.