On July 26, 1908, United States Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte issued an order to immediately staff the Office of the Chief Examiner, laying the foundation for what would later become the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This significant move aimed to create a specialized investigative body to tackle federal crimes, marking the beginning of a pivotal institution in American law enforcement.
Bonaparte's directive responded to the growing need for a dedicated and professional federal investigative service, leading to the establishment of a bureau that would play a crucial role in maintaining national security and enforcing federal laws.