The French Legation House in Austin

There are many historic sites from the Republic of Texas era and one of the more interesting ones is also one of the less well known locations, French Legation Museum in Austin, Texas. The guided tour of this museum by one of the trained docents is a must.

The French have a long history of interest in Texas.  When Texas became a republic, the king of France sent Alfonse Dubois to investigate creating an alliance with the new nation. With Alfonse’s recommendation, the king acknowledged Texas as a sovereign nation and signed a treaty of amity, navigation and commerce with the Republic of Texas. 

Dubois was promoted to ambassador (“charge d’ affairs”) in 1839 and tasked with building a Legation in Texas.   When he could not find a suitable place, he had builders construct a new house. But before the house was completed, Sam Houston was re-elected president of the Republic of Texas in 1841 and moved the capitol to Houston. 

With the Legation house location no longer viable due to the moving of the capitol and personal issues with the locals, Alfonse sold the unfinished house to a Catholic bishop. The house changed hands many times before being bought by the state of Texas and run by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. One of the more prominent owners was Dr. Joseph Robertson. Dr. Robertson had  who had hoped to run a girl’s school at the facility, but instead it became the home for his large family.

The architecture of the house, both inside and out is what draws many visitors to the museum. The Creole vernacular style home is a fascinating place to view. While most homes of this time period were log homes, the French Legation house was the first house in Texas to use milled wood siding. One of the other unique elements of the home’s design is the wine cellar.   I was also impressed by the attention to detail as seen in the ornate door hinges. Suzanne was more attracted to the furnishings and dishes. If you enjoy period architecture and furnishings, this is definitely the place to visit.

The grounds of the complex are as beautiful as the interior. It is amazing that after all these years, no high rise has ever been built in an area that would interfere with the view of the capitol from the grounds of the French Legation house. Our guide informed us that there is a law prohibiting obstruction of this wonderful view. After our tour, Suzanne and I walked around the grounds. The flowers and trees put us in a tranquil mood completely separated from the frantic movements of Austinites just outside the gates.

 Retiring to the porch for a little rest seemed like a perfect end to our day. So, as I sit here on the porch of the Legation house enjoying the view of Austin, I practice my French in the back of my mind as I see Texas Thru My Back Door!