What is the history of the secret service?

Answer by  lastiel (33)

The United States Secret Service started in 1865, just after the end of the Civil War to investigate counterfeiting, but they also investigated other crimes. In 1901, after McKinley was assassinated, the agency took on the responsibility of presidential protection. This is now their primary charge, but they still investigate fraud. Presidents receive protection for 10 years after their terms.

Answer by  jclick (1561)

The secret service was formed as part of the department of the treasury during the Civil War to track counterfeiters. Its original intent was not to protect the president. That did not begin until 1894 when they were assigned part time to protect President Grover Cleveland

Answer by  nuttree (1596)

The Secret Service was created in 1865 in the Treasury Department to investigate counterfeiting. After McKinley's assassination it began to protect Presidents. It is now part of Homeland Security.

Answer by  DackThrombosis (1093)

The secret service started out as a means to prevent counterfeit money from undermining the economy during the Civil War. Lincoln's assassination led them to provide security for serving presidents. They also worked in anti-esponiage operations during WWI and later expanded their security operations to presidential candidates and their families after Robert Kennedy's assassination. They also protect former presidents.