Entomology has played an important role in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 1862 and prior to that in the Agricultural Division of the U.S. Patent Office beginning in 1854. The science has had organizational status at various levels in the USDA hierarchy. Since its inception it has grown in stature and numbers in research, regulatory, and pest management functions in USDA and has been extended into other branches of government. The first Federal entomologist received his appointment in 1854 as an expert in assembling statistics and other information on seeds, fruits, and insects in the United States. This text presents some of the history of the growth, impact, broadening of responsibility, and implementation of entomology in U.S. organizations and its expansion into research, education, extension, and regulatory functions.