French Legation, Texas facts for kids
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French Legation
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The French Legation now serves as a period museum and host to a variety of community events.
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 Location in Texas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 802 San Marcos St. Austin, Texas, USA |
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| Built | 1841 |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000213 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 25, 1969 |
The French Legation is a very old building in Austin, Texas. It was built in 1841. A "legation" is like a small embassy. It was where the French government's representative lived and worked in the new Republic of Texas.
This building is one of the oldest wooden structures still standing in Austin. It became a protected historic site in 1969. The French Legation is also recognized as a special landmark by Texas and the City of Austin.
For many years, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas group took care of the site. They managed it for the State of Texas. In 2017, the Texas Historical Commission took over its operation. Today, it's a museum where you can learn about its history.
Contents
History of the French Legation
After Texas became independent from Mexico in 1836, France was one of the first countries to say, "Yes, Texas is its own country!" The United States was the other country. France and Texas then signed a special agreement to be friends and trade partners.
France's Representative in Texas
On September 25, 1839, France sent a man named Alphonse Dubois de Saligny to Texas. He was a diplomat, meaning he represented the King of France, Louis Philippe. His job was to be the French "chargé d'affaires" in the Republic of Texas.
The French Legation building was finished in 1841. It was about half a mile (0.8 km) east of Austin's city center. While his new home was being built, Dubois lived downtown. He hosted fancy dinner parties and worked with Texas leaders. He hoped to bring more French settlers to Texas.
The Pig War Incident
However, Dubois's time in Austin was not always smooth. He had a big disagreement with a local inn-keeper named Richard Bullock. This conflict even led to a famous fight in 1841 called the Pig War. It started when Dubois's butler killed some pigs belonging to Bullock that were causing trouble. Bullock then attacked the butler.
Changes and New Owners
In 1842, the capital of Texas moved temporarily to Washington-on-the-Brazos. Dubois's house was left empty. France called Dubois back home in 1846. This happened when Texas joined the United States, so it was no longer an independent republic.
Later, other important people lived in the mansion. John Mary Odin, the first Catholic Bishop of Galveston, lived there. Then, Moseley Baker, a hero from the Texas Revolution, bought it in 1847. Dr. Joseph W. Robertson later bought the property from Baker. His family lived there for many generations, until 1940.
Life at the Legation
During the time Dubois and the Robertson family lived at the legation, they used enslaved people. These individuals were forced to work, helping with daily tasks and farm chores on the property.
Becoming a Museum
The state of Texas bought the site from the Robertson family in 1945. The state then gave the property to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT). This group opened the French Legation Museum in 1949. The DRT worked to restore the building and its grounds. They wanted it to look like it did in the past. The museum officially opened to the public on April 5, 1956.
Protecting the View
From the front porch of the French Legation, you can see a beautiful view of the Texas State Capitol. This view is so special that it's protected by law. These "Capitol View Corridors" make sure that tall buildings don't block the sight of the Capitol. Since the mid-1990s, the museum staff has also worked to include the local East Austin community in its programs.
See also
- Texas Legation
- List of the oldest buildings in Texas
