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Profiles in Historical Places in East Austin : French Legation Museum

by kigray

The French Legation Museum provides a uniquely historic
experience. Both a historic site and a house museum, the story
behind the establishment of the museum is fascinating, and helps
to illuminate a way of life experienced by the residents of old
Austin before Texas was a state. Visiting the house and grounds,
with its carefully chosen artifacts, brings the story to life. 
With many cultural events, educational programs, and
supplementary information on their web site, the museum preserves
and perpetuates a unique piece of Austin's colorful heritage.

The word "legation" originally referred to a diplomatic
representative office just below the status of embassy. Sent by
the French Legation of Washington D.C. in 1840, Monsieur Jean
Pierre Isidore Dubois de Saligny intended to establish the French
Legation of the fledgling Republic of Texas. Renting quarters on
Pecan (now Sixth) Street at the corner of Guadalupe, de Saligny
was appalled with Austin's lack of urban sophistication,
evidenced most egregiously by the pigs a local farmer allowed to
run free in his yard. He determined to build a home and office
worthy of a French diplomat.

De Saligny found himself at odds with the locals, both
culturally and politically, and he was soon recalled from his
post, leaving his servants behind in the building he had
designed. A short time later, when the seat of the government was
moved from Austin, the building was  abandoned. When Texas was
annexed as a state, the structure and its surrounding grounds
were sold, eventually being purchased by John and Lydia Lee
Robertson, who raised their eleven children in the house. When
the last of those children died, in 1940, the property was placed
under the custodianship of the Daughters of the Republic of
Texas, who have operated the site as the French Legation Museum
since 1949.

Restoration of the property began in 1953, with an effort be
faithful to the period in which it was built. Although only three
pieces of furniture currently on view belonged to de Saligny,
many pieces remain from the Robertson family's ownership of the
home. Gardens and outdoor landscaping, although not authentic to
the bare dirt yards of early Texas, provide a refreshing oasis of
green in a busy city, and make this one of the premier locations
for weddings and other formal functions.

The French Legation Museum is committed to education, providing
guided tours in addition to having curriculum supplements for
elementary and middle school teachers available on their web
site. During the summer, the museum often hosts a history-based
summer camp, allowing children to immerse themselves in 1880's
Austin. They offer different cultural events as well, including a
twice monthly tournament of the traditional French game petanque
on the lawn, and evening concerts under their beautiful old oak
trees. Their annual Bastille Day celebration features French
music and food, and their association with the Alliance Franaise
d'Austin helps perpetuate a unique piece of Central Texas
heritage.

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Syndicated by Top Gazebos - www.topgazebos.net

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