In 1860, the United States Congress took a significant step towards improving the federal government's operational efficiency by establishing the Government Printing Office (GPO). Prior to the establishment of the GPO, the printing tasks for government publications were handled by various contractors, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the quality and availability of printed documents. The GPO was created through legislation passed by Congress, which authorized the printing and binding of government documents, thus centralizing the process under one office. This initiative aimed to ensure that official publications could be efficiently produced and distributed to lawmakers, federal officials, and the public.

The creation of the GPO was particularly noteworthy as it anticipated the increasing complexities associated with the expanding role of the federal government. With a growing number of reports, bills, and laws being generated during this transformative period in American history, the GPO provided a systematic approach to manage the presentation of governmental documents. The office became instrumental in supporting transparency and accessibility in government by facilitating the printing of crucial material that informed and engaged the American public.

This establishment was timely as it was around the time when the nation was approaching a period of significant turmoil leading to the Civil War. Accessibility to government information became more crucial than ever, as citizens needed to be informed about legislative changes and military updates. The GPO also began to play a key role in the printing of documents that would later include treaties, laws, and congressional hearings. Over the years, the GPO has evolved, adapting to advances in technology and the growing demand for government transparency and accountability in publishing.