[1][2] The first American Legation in Ethiopia was established on July 6, 1909, with Hoffman Philip presenting his credentials in Addis Ababa.

Italy invaded Ethiopia and occupied Addis Ababa on May 6, 1936, prompting the withdrawal of U.S. diplomatic representation and the closure of the American Legation.

On June 28, 1949, the legation was elevated to an embassy, with Ambassador George Robert Merrell presenting his credentials.

[2] Throughout the Cold War, the relationship between the two nations was strained as Ethiopia aligned with the Soviet Union.

[3] In 2011, the United States dedicated what became the largest U.S. embassy in sub-Saharan Africa in Addis Ababa.