Until 1981, US ambassadors served as the contacts to other African countries simultaneously rather than have a separate person just for Equatorial Guinea.

In the 19th century, the area of Central Africa that now contains the nation of Equatorial Guinea was under Spanish control.

In 1926 the island of Bioko and the mainland area of Río Muni were united as the colony of Spanish Guinea.

The United States immediately recognized Equatorial Guinea and moved to establish diplomatic relations.

An embassy in Santa Isabel (now Malabo) was opened August 1, 1969, with Albert N. Williams as chargé d'affaires ad interim.