Administrative Timeline of the Department of State

This annotated timeline encompasses principal events concerning Department of State administration from 1789 through the most recent update noted below, focusing on the establishment of new offices and changes in organization. Research Historian Evan Duncan compiled this timeline beginning in 2006. Research Historian Thomas Faith edited the document for publication. The events and annotations are derived from a variety of public documents including the Federal Register, U.S. Statutes at Large, Executive Orders, Departmental Orders, and Department of State periodicals such as the Department of State Bulletin and State Magazine. We invite questions and comments about this resource at history@state.gov.