The United States Secret Service was officially created on July 5, 1865, as a branch of the Department of the Treasury to combat widespread counterfeiting after the Civil War.

Quick Scoop

  • The Secret Service traces its origin to legislation signed by President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, the same day he was assassinated.
  • It formally began operations on July 5, 1865, focusing on stopping counterfeit currency that threatened the stability of the U.S. economy.
  • Only later, in the early 20th century, did the agency’s mission expand to include the protection of presidents and other national leaders.

In short, when people ask “when was the Secret Service created,” the historically accepted date for its creation as an operating agency is July 5, 1865.

TL;DR: The Secret Service was created in 1865, with July 5 recognized as its official founding date.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.