Direct 1-photon excitation of the hydrated electron from the ground state to the conduction band is achieved with 400 nm excitation. This provides a unique method for investigating the femtosecond dynamics and spectroscopy of the conduction band hydrated electron without interference from other states. The assignment of the 400 nm excited state to the conduction band is supported by the observation of > 35 Angstrom spatial migration of the hydrated electron, as manifested in complete supression of geminate recombination. Similar dynamics and electron scavenging yields are observed for the 400 rim state and that produced by 2-photon 800 nm excitation.