The U.S. Marshals is the oldest American federal law enforcement in the U.S. The U.S. President
George Washington appointed the original thirteen U.S.
Marshals and their Deputies have served as the instruments of civil
authority for over 200 years. Throughout the zoth century more than 50
specialized federal law enforcement agencies have been created and still the
Marshals have retained the broadest jurisdiction and authority. The men and
women of the U.S Marshals have apprehended more fugitives and more criminals
than all other Federal Law Enfo
rcement agencies combined, dating from 1789-
2010. As our nation expanded westward marshals were appointed in every new
territory to enforce law and justice to the frontier. When the Constitution
principles or the force of law was challenged the marshals prevailed. Marshals after the
Judiciary Act of 1789 was passed by Congress. In most every lawless frontier town, the Marshals were the only kind of law. In
places like Tombstone, Deadwood, and New Mexico the Marshals pursued such
notorious outlaws as Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch,
Belle Starr, Bill Doolin and the Dalton Gang along with hundreds of others. Between 1872 and 1896, 103 deputies gave their lives to enforce the law. Known courageous men like Wyatt Earp, Bill Tilghman, Bat Masterson, and Wild
Bill Hickok made names for themselves as they cleaned up the streets in the
West. Many deputy Marshals that are less well known due to lack of publicity
have also earned their place in history as heroic lawmen. Throughout the years,
over 400 marshals have been killed in the line of duty. Today the job remains essentially the same. Marshals and their deputies secure
the Federal Courts, protect judges, witnesses, and other court officers. They track
down and arrest fugitives from justice, transport prisoners, manage hundreds of
millions of dollars in assets seized from criminals, enforce the orders of courts,
and perform many other law enforcement tasks essential to the operation of the
Federal justice system. The first United States Marshals Posse was formed in
California to commemorate this history. The Posse is the first duly sworn Posse in
almost 100 years and is calling to attention the traditions of the United States
Marshals.
