On April 14, 1865, the same day President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, he authorized the creation of the United States Secret Service. However, the original purpose of the agency was not to protect the president but to combat the rampant counterfeiting of U.S. currency. At the time, it was estimated that one-third of all currency in circulation was counterfeit, and the Civil War had further exacerbated the problem. The Secret Service was thus established as a branch of the Treasury Department with the primary mission to suppress counterfeit currency and restore stability to the nation's financial systems.
The irony of the timing of the Secret Service's founding is that while it was created on the day of Lincoln’s assassination, it would not begin its role in presidential protection until 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley. After McKinley's death, it became clear that the presidency needed formal protection. The Secret Service then was officially tasked with full-time protection of the president, along with their ongoing responsibilities for crime investigation related to forgery and fraud.
The dual responsibilities of the Secret Service highlight its evolution in response to the changing needs of the nation. Initially aimed at safeguarding the financial systems, its role expanded significantly following the repeated tragedies of presidential assassinations. Today, the Secret Service is internationally recognized for its dual role in protection and investigation, guarding not only the President and Vice President but also visiting heads of state and government-designated sites, all while continuing its investigative missions against cyber and financial crimes.
The foundation of the Secret Service on the very day of one of the most tragic events in American history exemplifies how government institutions often arise from, or are reshaped by, national crises. The legacy of Abraham Lincoln is intertwined with the birth of this critical agency, underscoring a narrative of ironic foresight and the complex evolution of national security needs.
