Museo Casa Juárez facts for kids
The Museo de la Lealtad Republicana, also called the Museo Casa Juárez, is an old building in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico. It was built in the 1800s. This museum is special because it was once the home and office of President Benito Juárez. He lived and worked here when he had to leave Mexico City. This happened while Maximilian of Habsburg was trying to be Emperor of Mexico, with help from the French. So, for a time, this building was like the main government building for Mexico.
Contents
History of the Casa Juárez
Early Use as Government Palace
In 1826, the government of Chihuahua bought this building. They wanted it to be the official Government Palace for the state. It served this important role for many years. The building was used as the main government office until 1892. That year, a new, bigger palace was opened a few blocks away.
President Juárez's Stay
On October 12, 1864, something very important happened. President Benito Juárez arrived in Chihuahua City. He was escaping from the French invasion of Mexico. The French army was trying to take control of the country. President Juárez needed a safe place to continue leading Mexico.
He decided to set up his government in this very building. From October 1864 to December 1866, the Casa Juárez was his home and office. It became the temporary capital of Mexico. During this time, he worked hard to fight against the French. He also worked to remove Maximilian of Habsburg, who the French had made Emperor.
After Juárez: School and Museum
President Juárez left Chihuahua in December 1866. By then, the French forces were almost defeated. The building then went back to being the Government Palace for Chihuahua. However, once the new palace was ready, the Casa Juárez changed again.
It became a school for girls. First, it was called Escuela Municipal Nro 3. Later, its name changed to Escuela Oficial Nro 140. From 1926 to 1967, it was known as Escuela Benito Juárez. After many years, the school finally closed its doors.
Becoming a Museum
In 1972, Mexico celebrated 100 years since Benito Juárez passed away. To honor him, officials decided to turn the building into a museum. Many of the original items from Juárez's time were gone. But the state government worked hard for years. They found original furniture and other items from that period. These pieces were similar to what Juárez would have used.
The restoration work was finished in 2000. The building was then officially opened to the public. It was given its new name: the Museo de la Lealtad Republicana. This name means "Museum of Republican Loyalty." It reminds everyone of President Juárez's loyalty to Mexico.
More to Explore
- Chihuahua City
- Museums of Chihuahua
See also
In Spanish: Museo Casa de Juárez de Chihuahua para niños
