The [[Second Continental Congress]] created the office of Secretary of Foreign Affairs to head the [[Department of Foreign Affairs|Department of State]] on January 13, 1781. Later that year, on July 27, President George Washington signed a law authorizing the executive department. On September 15th of the same year, the Department and Secretary of Foreign Affairs were renamed the Department and Secretary of State.
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The [[Second Continental Congress]] created the office of Secretary of Foreign Affairs to head the [[Department of State|Department of Foreign Affairs]] on January 13, 1781. Later that year, on July 27, President George Washington signed a law authorizing the executive department. On September 15th of the same year, the Department and Secretary of Foreign Affairs were renamed the Department and Secretary of State.
The title Secretary of State is of British origin. This title was given to senior members of the King's cabinet.
The title Secretary of State is of British origin. This title was given to senior members of the King's cabinet.