The consular function is one of the oldest parts of the Department of State; the first U.S. Consul (to France), William Palfrey of Massachusetts, was appointed on Nov. 4, 1780.
The first U.S. consular post was established in Bordeaux, France in March 1778. It was closed in 1996.
Article II, section 2 of the Constitution authorized the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, "Ambassadors, other public Ministers, and Consuls." The Consular Service, which was primarily responsible for promoting American commerce and assisting distressed American sailors, was separate from the Diplomatic Service, which staffed U.S. Legations and Embassies, from 1789 until 1924.
In 1781 there were 3 consular posts and 4 diplomatic ones. Today there are over 260, more than 70 of which are consular posts.
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