Abstract: This article examines the experience of the Separate body of the border patrol in counteraction against terrorism and contraband during the period of XIX-XX centuries. Special attention is given the analysis of the legal acts regulating the activity of border patrols throughout the various parts of the Russian border. Based on the conducted analysis of the normative legal acts, the author concludes that the Separate body of border patrol plays a significant role in increasing the efficiency in the fight against terrorism and contraband in the Russian Empire. Scientific novelty of this work consists in the examination of the questions related to the legal regulation of organization of the service of border patrol, in the interest of protection the population from terrorism and political contraband. The author is the first to conduct such analysis within the Russian historical legal science. The legal aspects of protection of national borders of the Russian Empire are being researched.