July, 1789
7/27: The Department of Foreign Affairs was established, becoming the first presidential cabinet department under the US Constitution.  A few months later its name was changed to the Department of State. In charge of all issues related to foreign affairs, the department is currently (as of 1999) headed by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. More on the US Department of State:  http://www.state.gov/
(source: The Learning Kingdom)