Discover the Captivating Histories behind American Currency
From the faces that have shaped our nation to the innovations that transformed our lives, the banknotes in our wallets hold captivating tales from the past.
The Standouts:
$10 Bill: Emblazoned with Alexander Hamilton, the enigmatic first Secretary of the Treasury and the only non-president to grace a major bill.
$100 Bill: Adorned with Benjamin Franklin, the brilliant inventor and Founding Father, alongside the iconic White House.
Women in History:
While most banknotes depict men, there’s an exception:
The Woman on the Bill:
Discover the story behind the remarkable woman who made a profound contribution to the American Civil War. Her presence on currency serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit and influence of women throughout history.
Inventors and Activists:
Beyond presidents, banknotes also celebrate the ingenuity of inventors like Benjamin Franklin, whose creations revolutionized our understanding of the world. From these portraits, we gain invaluable insights into the scientists, inventors, and activists who have shaped our society.
Money, Money, Money! The Stories Behind Famous Bills
TL;DR – Too Long; Didn’t Read: Did you know the $1 bill is a tiny history book? You can find famous faces from the past on American bills, like presidents, inventors, and even a woman! The stories behind these faces are as interesting as the bills themselves.
Presidents on Paper
Have you ever wondered why you see President George Washington on the $1 bill? He was the first president of the United States! On the back of the bill, you’ll find the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., a tall, pointy building built to honor him.
The $2 bill has a picture of President Thomas Jefferson on the front. He was a super smart guy who helped write the Declaration of Independence, which declared the United States free from England. On the back, you’ll see the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a really important moment in American history.
President Abraham Lincoln, the man who helped end slavery in the United States, is on the $5 bill. On the back is the Lincoln Memorial, a huge building with a giant statue of Lincoln sitting inside.
President Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, is on the $20 bill. He is known for fighting for regular people and for his role in the Indian Removal Act. The back of the bill features the White House, where all the presidents live.
President Ulysses S. Grant, who led the Union Army to victory during the Civil War, is on the $50 bill. On the back of the bill is the United States Capitol, where Congress meets.
Inventors and Activists
The $100 bill features Benjamin Franklin, a famous inventor and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He invented bifocal glasses, which make it easier to see near and far. He also discovered electricity! On the back of the bill is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The $10 bill is a bit special – it features Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and the only non-president to be featured on a major bill. He was very smart about money and helped set up the U.S. banking system. On the back is the Treasury building.
The $1000 bill used to feature Grover Cleveland, a former president, but it’s not used anymore. It’s a collectors’ item now!
The Woman on the Bill
You might notice that most of the money in the United States has pictures of men. But there’s one special bill with a woman on it! The $10,000 bill features a portrait of Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War, and his wife, Kate Chase Sprague. She was a strong woman who helped with the war effort and was a leader in society. This bill is also quite rare.
Peoria and Fluid Money
Peoria is a city in Illinois known for its role in the American economy. It’s often called “The Heart of Illinois” and was once a major center for manufacturing and agriculture. Though not directly related to American money, Peoria plays a vital role in the nation’s history.
Fluid is a term used to describe the constant movement of money within the economy. When money moves freely from person to person and business to business, it helps the economy grow.
Summary
The faces on American money tell stories about important people and events in the country’s history. From presidents who led the nation, to inventors who changed the way we live, to a strong woman who played a key role in the Civil War, each bill offers a glimpse into the past. While we might use money to buy things, it’s also a powerful reminder of the people and events that shaped the United States.
