During the American Civil War, San Marino proposed a republican alliance with the United States,[1] and the government made American President Abraham Lincoln an honorary citizen. He accepted the offer in a letter dated May 7, 1861, saying that the republic proved that "Although your dominion is small, your State is nevertheless one of the most honored, in all history. It has by its experience demonstrated the truth, so full of encouragement to the friends of Humanity, that Government founded on Republican principles is capable of being so administered as to be secure and enduring."[2][3]
In 1906, the countries signed an extradition treaty.[4] During World War I, the United States intervened on San Marino's behalf and attempted to free Sammarinese prisoners of war held in Austria-Hungary. However, their pleas were denied.[5]
The two countries are on excellent terms, with San Marino consistently supporting U.S. foreign policy positions as well as U.S. candidates to international organizations. In September 2006, President George W. Bush appointed Ambassador to Italy Ronald P. Spogli to serve concurrently as Ambassador to San Marino; Spogli is the first U.S. Ambassador to San Marino in the country's history. For consular purposes, the republic is within the jurisdiction of the Florence consular district. Consulate officials regularly visit San Marino to carry out diplomatic demarches, represent U.S. interests, and administer consular services. As of August 2023[update], Jack Markell is the U.S. ambassador to San Marino (and Italy). In July 2007, Ambassador Paolo Rondelli became San Marino's first ambassador to the U.S.[6]
