FBI History
Over a century of service protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.
1908
The Birth of the FBI
Attorney General Charles Bonaparte creates the Bureau of Investigation with 34 agents.
1924
J. Edgar Hoover Appointed Director
Hoover begins 48-year tenure as Director, modernizing the Bureau and establishing professional standards.
1935
FBI Named
The Bureau officially becomes the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
1950
Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List Launched
The list brings national attention to dangerous fugitives.
1972
First Female Agents Hired
Women join the FBI as special agents for the first time.
2001
September 11 Attacks
FBI transforms to focus on preventing terrorism as top priority.
Present Day
Modern FBI
38,000+ employees, 56 field offices, 97 international offices protecting the nation from evolving threats.