French Legation Museum in Austin
There is so much to do and see in Austin, Texas, that it’s possible to visit this city off and on for decades and still not get to all the places one should; quickly, you might develop favorite places, such as Magnolia’s, a 24-hour breakfast restaurant in two locations, or Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on the shores of Lake Austin, and never strike out and explore the history of this university town, and its historically rich museums, such as the French Legation museum .
In 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico, and Sam Houston officially became the first President of the Republic of Texas. Three years later, King Louis Phillipe of France sent a representative to investigate whether or not Texas should become recognized as a sovereign nation; this representative was Jean Pierre Isador Alphonse Dubois de Saligny, who was a secretary at the French Legation in Washington DC.
By September of 1839, Dubois was instrumental in a Treaty of Amity, Navigation and Commerce with Texas, recognizing it as an independent nation; he was promoted to “charge d’affaires” to the Republic of Texas, and when the capital of Texas moved from Houston to a city known as Waterloo, and later as Austin, he moved with it. In the mid-1800s, Austin consisted of little more than some log cabins and tents and unpaved streets. In 1841, though, the French Legation house had been built; however, Dubois left Austin before he could move in.
Then, as history and politics continued their course, the capital moved again to Houston, then the country of Texas became a state of the union, and all French diplomats left for Washington DC; however, the home remained, serving as the residence of private families well into the 1940s. The last family owned the home for over a hundred years, and decided to turn the building into a museum, selling the house to Texas in 1949.
From 1952 to the present, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas have been responsible for preserving this historic residence, and have made an effort to make sure the place is an accurate reflection of the Dubois and Robertson eras. At the museum, you’ll discover a French country kitchen, with eighteenth and nineteenth century equipment.
The French Legation Museum is a place for reunions, parties, fundraisers, or, if you’re of a romantic frame of mind, weddings. Have your own wedding on the gardens, lawns, or veranda of this historic site, then retire to one of several Austin boutique hotels for the honeymoon. Such an experience could only increase your appreciation for this great city.
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