Secrets Of The Secret Service: The History And ... -
The United States Secret Service (USSS) is often visualized as a phalanx of stone-faced agents in dark suits and earpieces, the final line of defense for the Commander in Chief. Yet, behind this modern image lies a complex legacy that began not with a bullet, but with a bogus bill. Today, the agency stands at a critical juncture, balancing a storied past against an increasingly scrutinized future. The Original Mission: Fighting Fraud, Not Fire
: After the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, Congress informally requested the Secret Service take over presidential security.
: President Abraham Lincoln signed the legislation creating the agency on the very morning of his assassination. Ironically, the man who founded the agency was not its first protectee. Secrets of the Secret Service: The History and ...
Secrets of the Secret Service: The History and Uncertain Future
: By the end of the Civil War, nearly one-third to one-half of all U.S. currency in circulation was counterfeit. The United States Secret Service (USSS) is often
: Over the century, protection grew to include the President-elect (1908), the immediate family (1917), and eventually former presidents and visiting world leaders. 150+ Years of History - Secret Service
: Full-time responsibility was assumed in 1902, starting with just two agents assigned to the White House Detail. The Original Mission: Fighting Fraud, Not Fire :
: Originally a bureau within the Department of the Treasury , agents focused on raiding counterfeit coin operations and investigating financial fraud. The Shift to Protection