George Washington, whose birthday Americans celebrate this month, sent a letter on Aug. 13, 1776, to the president of Congress regarding the safeguarding of his papers. Washington understood the importance of preserving our new nation’s history. Many of our first president’s successors also appreciated this. They became stewards of the records of our past, believed that truth and transparency matter, and held onto the idea that our institutions are more significant than one single individual.
Before Congress created the National Archives in 1934, each executive department was tasked with keeping its own archives. Congress gave the Department of State the important task of safeguarding the nation’s early state papers, such as Washington’s papers as commander of the Continental Army, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.
During the War of 1812, the British landed troops in Maryland and started advancing north. It became clear to then-Secretary of State James Monroe that the British intended to invade Washington. He dispatched a messenger with a note to President James Madison, saying, “The enemy are in full march for Washington. Have the materials prepared to destroy the bridges.” In a postscript, Monroe added: “You had better remove the records.” Department of State individuals bagged up the archives including the Articles of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights.
