Aerial view of the George Bush Center for Intelligence, the headquarters for the Central Intelligence Agency, Langley, Virginia. Photo credit: Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Photo corrected and cropped.
The world of James Bond is full of moments where reality and fiction intersect in fascinating ways. One such connection is the intriguing link between Felix Leiter, James Bond’s loyal CIA ally, and the historical Leiter family, whose land eventually became the site of the CIA’s headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
The Fictional Felix Leiter
Felix Leiter first appeared in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale (1953) as James Bond’s dependable CIA ally, symbolizing the Cold War-era collaboration between British and American intelligence. Resourceful and brave, Leiter balances Bond’s charisma and recklessness with measured professionalism, offering both support and camaraderie.
Though not a central figure, Felix Leiter plays pivotal roles in both novels and films. Notably, in Live and Let Die (1954), he survives a shark attack that leaves him disabled, showcasing his resilience amidst espionage’s dangers. Leiter made his debut film appearance in the iconic first Bond movie, Dr. No (1963), showcasing the beginning of their long-standing partnership on screen. Over time, his depiction has evolved from a stereotypical 1950s “G-man” into a complex character reflecting modern intelligence challenges.
Interestingly, Ian Fleming chose the name “Felix Leiter” with personal significance. The first name “Felix” was inspired by Ivar Felix Bryce, one of Fleming’s closest friends, while the surname “Leiter” likely came from Marion Oates Leiter, a socialite and acquaintance of Fleming. This blending of personal connections into the creation of his characters showcases Fleming’s knack for grounding his fictional world in the people and experiences around him.
The Historical Connection
The Leiter family, prominent during the Gilded Age, held extensive property in Virginia, including the land on which the CIA’s headquarters now stands. Levi Leiter, co-founder of the Marshall Field & Company department store, established the family’s fortune, which his son, Joseph Leiter, used to construct a grand country house on the Virginia estate. This house, which once stood as the centerpiece of the property, burned down in 1945
However, another structure, the Scattergood-Thorne House, has survived and remains a vital connection to the land’s past. Built in 1926, the Scattergood-Thorne House is a four-story Georgian Revival-style home that was originally part of the neighboring Calvert Estate. Owned by Margaret Scattergood and Florence Thorne, the house became part of the government-owned property when the estate was sold to the U.S. government in the 1940s. Margaret Scattergood and Florence Thorne lived in the house for decades under a negotiated agreement allowing them to remain there even after the sale. Scattergood, a pacifist and suffragist, added another layer of historical significance to the property. After her passing in 1986, the CIA repurposed the house as a conference center. It remains the oldest standing structure on the Agency’s Langley campus, offering a fascinating glimpse into the site’s history before it became the heart of U.S. intelligence operations.
Adding to the Leiter family’s historical significance, Marion Oates Leiter, known as “Oatsie,” became linked to the Leiter legacy through her marriage to Thomas Leiter, a descendant of Levi Leiter. A prominent socialite and influential figure, Oatsie later married Ian Fleming’s friend, Paul Henry O’Neill, further connecting her to the Bond universe. This marriage and her association with the Leiter family add a fascinating dimension to the estate’s rich history.
Initially, the land was intended for public recreational use, but the burning of the original grand house in 1945 led to changes in its purpose. By the 1950s, the CIA identified the property as an ideal location for its headquarters due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., while still offering security and seclusion. Collaborating with federal agencies, the CIA acquired 225 acres of the estate, including the Scattergood-Thorne House, which became part of the secure campus. Construction began in 1959, with President Dwight Eisenhower laying the cornerstone, and the facility officially opened in 1961.
Final Thoughts
The connection between the fictional Felix Leiter and the real-life Leiter family appears to be purely coincidental. Ian Fleming had no way of knowing that the land associated with his friends’ surname would later house the CIA headquarters—the very organization his fictional Leiter represented. Nevertheless, this accidental link adds an unexpected layer of intrigue to the Bond legacy.
By blending real-world elements into its storytelling, the James Bond series has shaped public perceptions of espionage and intelligence agencies. Felix Leiter, as Bond’s American ally, unknowingly carries a name tied to the very institution he represents in the stories. While the connection may be coincidental, it serves as a delightful nugget of trivia for both Bond enthusiasts and historians.
Resources
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov
The Official Website for Ian Fleming
IanFleming.com
The Official James Bond 007 Website
007.com