U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Safely connect using HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Countdown to America's 250th Anniversary!
162
Days
5
Hours
47
Minutes

History

The Department of Homeland Security was established in 2002, combining 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated Cabinet agency.

  • Creation of the Department of Homeland Security

    A summary of historical laws and regulations constructing and modifying the existing Department of Homeland Security.

  • Department of Homeland Security Seal

    DHS seal was created in 2003 to symbolize the Department's mission of preventing attacks and protecting Americans on land, sea and air.

  • Homeland Security Advisory System

    Chronology of Homeland Security Advisory System from implementation until replaced by National Terrorism Advisory System.

  • Secretaries of Homeland Security

    The former Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security.

  • Who Joined DHS

    DHS was created through the integration of all or part of 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified Department.

  • History of the NAC

    Learn the history of the Nebraska Avenue Complex (NAC) through its origins as a girls seminary to a code breaking facility during World War II and its current incarnation as the home of the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Last Updated: 01/09/2026