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Research Guides

Introduction

On April 27, 1816, Congress authorized publication of the Official Register of the United States. Produced every two years in conjunction with the sitting of each new Congress, the Official Register (initially referred to as the Biennial Register or the Blue book) contained comprehensive listings of all civilian, military, and naval employees, officers, and agents of the federal governments. The lists were arranged by department and thereunder by agency, bureau, or office. 

Source: Archives.gov

Official Register in the U.S. Congressional Serial Set

Search the U.S. Congressional Serial Set Digital Edition (Access for all on-campus; login required from off-campus) for the terms "Official Register of the United States." Official Registers available through the U.S. Congressional Serial Set are available to view or download by individual page number in PDF.

 

The Official Register

Cover of a blue volume with "Official Register of the United States, 1909, Volume I, Directory" written in white.

Image courtesy of the University of Washington Libraries.