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1789 THE U.S. MARSHALS September 24, 1789, New York City, New York - The Judiciary Act of 1789 is signed into law by President George Washington, officially establishing the U.S. Marshals Service. This act created the federal judicial system, including the position of Marshal for each federal court, making the Marshals the first federal law enforcement agency. 1896 1794 1794 THE U.S. MARSHALS January 11, 1794, Augusta, Georgia - The murder of Robert Forsyth in Georgia is the first recorded death of a U.S. Marshal in the line of duty. This event underscores the dangerous nature of the work undertaken by U.S. Marshals and their deputies from the earliest years of the service. 1789 1850 1850 THE U.S. MARSHALS September 1850, Various Locations, United States - The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 tasked U.S. Marshals with enforcing the return of escaped slaves, placing them at the heart of the nation's intensifying pre-Civil War tensions. This role highlighted the complex and controversial position of federal law enforcement in the contentious issue of slavery. 1794 1894 1894 THE U.S. MARSHALS July 1894, Chicago, Illinois - During the Pullman Strike, U.S. Marshals were deployed to break up the railroad workers' strike against the Pullman Company, which had drastically reduced wages. Their involvement underscored the federal government's readiness to intervene in labor disputes. 1850 1896 1896 April 25, 1896, Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in "In re Neagle" affirms the authority of U.S. Marshals to act in the protection of federal officials. This decision is a pivotal moment in defining the scope of the Marshals' duties and underscores their role in ensuring the safety of federal officials, marking a significant evolution in their responsibilities. THE U.S. MARSHALS 1894 1789

IN SEARCH OF THE U.S. MARSHALS

EXPLORING THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF THE MARSHALS SERVICE

The first one hundred years of the history of the U.S. Marshals and their deputies is the story of the founding of the United States and the enforcement of the constitution and federal law. In this documentary, with the participation of The U.S. Marshals Service, we explore the history of the U.S. Marshals from inception in 1789 until the turn of the 20th century and their role in the major events that shaped the United States of America. Join us as we go in search of the U.S. Marshals.

cast & crew

David Turk

Interviewee

David Kennedy

Interviewee

Bill O'Neal

Interviewee

Mark Boardman

Interviewee

Jim Spears

Interviewee

Bob Ernst

Interviewee

Robert DeArment

Interviewee

Dana Celeste Robinson

Director/Producer