Peter Kastor

Peter Kastor is a Professor of History and American Culture Studies at Washington University in St. Louis, serving as Associate Vice Dean of Research in Arts & Sciences. He holds a courtesy appointment as Professor of Law. His research focuses on US political history, the American Presidency, and early republic governance, with a specialization in digital history. Kastor directs undergraduate studies in History and leads the Creating a Federal Government, 1789-1829, a landmark digital project analyzing over 38,000 federal employees.

He earned a PhD and MA from the University of Virginia and an AB from Franklin & Marshall College. His work bridges history and political science, emphasizing institutional behavior and public policy. Kastor has authored/co-edited eight books, including The Nation's Crucible: The Louisiana Purchase and the Creation of America and Washington’s Government: Statebuilding for a New Nation.

His awards include the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award and Kemper Book Prize. Kastor engages public audiences through media appearances, documentaries, and educational programs for federal agencies like the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. He chairs the board of the Missouri Historical Society and teaches courses on presidential history and American culture.