U.S. Department of State Marks 237 Years Since 1789 Founding

The United States Congress created the Department of Foreign Affairs on 27 July 1789, the first federal agency of the new government. A few weeks later, on 15 September 1789, it was renamed the Department of State, assuming additional administrative duties beyond foreign policy.

John Jay served as the department’s first Secretary of State until Thomas Jefferson succeeded him during President George Washington’s administration. Today the Department of State directs American diplomatic relations worldwide, oversees the global network of embassies and consulates, and provides assistance to U.S. citizens abroad. The agency is currently headed by Secretary Marco Rubio, marking 237 years since its establishment.