175 years of U.S.-Austrian Diplomatic Relations

This year marks 175 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Austria. The U.S. Embassy in Vienna and Austrian President Heinz Fischer started the year off with an exclusive gala event, which took place at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna on February 13, 2013.

Stay tuned for more on this special occasion throughout 2013!

It was on February 8, 1838, that the United States appointed its first diplomatic envoy, Henry A. Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania, to Vienna, Austria. The Habsburg monarchy reciprocated by sending an envoy, Baron de Mareschal, who presented his credentials to President Martin Van Buren in October 1838.

Today, the two nations are bound together through family ties, people-to-people exchanges and contacts in business, the arts, education and research, sports and recreation. Last year, more than 175,000 Austrians visited the U.S., and nearly 500,000 Americans visited Austria.

For more information visit:

http://pinterest.com/austriainusa/175-years-of-u-s-austrian-diplomatic-relations/

http://austria.usembassy.gov/175/intro.html