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Brief History of the Savings Bonds Program

Since 1935, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation creating the first "baby bond," United States Savings Bonds have encouraged saving and a broad participation by Americans in government financing.

From the Series E bond, that contributed billions of dollars to World War II financing, to today's electronic EE and I bonds, the Savings Bond Program has a rich history of changing to meet the needs of the American investor. In the early years, savings bonds were a significant contributor to debt financing, and today they continue to be an important savings and investment tool for individuals.

Read about the various stages of the program by selecting the links below:

The Beginnings of Savings Bonds

The Volunteer Program and Series E Savings Bonds

Other Savings Bonds

The Payroll Savings Plan

Over the Counter Sales

Savings Bonds Today

Timeline of U.S. Savings Bonds

Other Resources

If you want more on the history and the current features of savings bonds, look at these added resources: