Thomas Jefferson: Our First Official Diplomat

On May 7, 1784, Congress, still meeting here in Annapolis, named Thomas Jefferson as one of America’s ministers plenipotentiary in Europe. This event, which occurred in the Old Senate Chamber, was the first appointment to a diplomatic post by the new nation. He joined John Adams and Benjamin Franklin in negotiating treaties of commerce with foreign countries. The following year, Jefferson was named minister to France, serving in that role until 1789.