07/27/2026
On this day in 1789: The foundation of American diplomacy was established when George Washington signed legislation creating the Department of Foreign Affairs, the first executive department of the new United States government.
Passed by Congress and signed into law on July 27, 1789, the act created an office responsible for managing the nation's relationships with other countries, overseeing diplomatic correspondence, and protecting American interests abroad. The department was one of the first three executive departments established under the new Constitution, along with the departments responsible for war and finance.
The first person to lead the department was John Jay, who served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs while helping shape the young nation's approach to international relations.
Just two months later, the department was renamed the Department of State, expanding its responsibilities to include domestic duties such as preserving government records, maintaining the Great Seal of the United States, and managing federal publications. Over time, its focus shifted primarily toward foreign affairs, becoming the modern United States Department of State.
From negotiating treaties and representing the United States around the world to supporting American citizens overseas, the Department of State has played a central role in shaping the nation's place in global affairs for more than two centuries.
The decision made in 1789 marked the beginning of America's organized diplomatic efforts and laid the groundwork for how the United States would engage with the world.