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U.S. Department of State
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The Department of State seal features a bald eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. A shield with stars and stripes covers the eagle's chest. Above the eagle, a banner reads E Pluribus Unum, and a cluster of stars is encircled by a cloud. The outer blue and gold ring contains the words Department of State and United States of America. Portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Gilbert Stuart, showing Jefferson with white hair, a white ruffled shirt, and a dark coat against a neutral background. Madeleine Albright Colin Powell, wearing a dark pinstripe suit, blue tie, and glasses, smiles and waves while arriving at an event. Thomas Jefferson James Monroe and his Cabinet Painting of Abraham Lincoln seated at a table with his cabinet, including Edwin Stanton, Salmon Chase, Gideon Welles, Caleb Smith, William Seward, Montgomery Blair, and Edward Bates, during the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Secretary of State Cordell Hull Portrait of General George C. Marshall in military uniform, showing medals and insignia on his jacket. Nixon and Kissinger
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U.S. Department of State: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • Tracy Grant
    Tracy Grant is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. She previously served as editor in chief, the first woman to hold that title. 

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Added department seal. Sep 16, 2026
Added cross-reference. Jun 05, 2026
Corrected display issue. Jun 03, 2026
Article completely revised and expanded. Jun 03, 2026
Modified link of Web site: The Official Site of United States Department of State. Dec 26, 2022
Add new Web site: The Official Site of United States Department of State. Feb 08, 2011
New article added. Apr 16, 2009
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