French Legation State Historic Site

What to know

Built in 1841, the French Legation State Historic Site is the oldest existing home and one of the oldest frame structures in Austin. The property was originally constructed as a private residence and diplomatic outpost for Alphonse Dubois de Saligny, the French chargé d'affaires to the sovereign Republic of Texas. Dubois built the house on the crest of a hill on twenty-one acres of land purchased from Anson Jones in 1840. After serving briefly as the official French Legation, the property changed hands. In 1848, Dr. Joseph W. Robertson purchased the site. He lived there with his wife, their eleven children, and nine enslaved workers, weaving a complex narrative of early Texas settlement and labor. Following the death of Lillie Robertson, the State of Texas acquired the home, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) were appointed as its custodians. In the 1950s, the DRT hired preservation architect Raiford Stripling to oversee the historic restoration of the main structure and planning for its outbuildings. Between 1953 and 1956, the DRT built a stone wall around the compound, landscaped the grounds, and restored the house to its 1841 appearance. The site officially opened to the public as a museum on April 5, 1956, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. In September 2017, the Texas Legislature transferred management of the site and its grounds to the Texas Historical Commission. Today, visitors to 802 San Marcos Street can explore the historic house and a reconstructed detached Creole kitchen. The site serves as an educational hub, detailing the growth of East Austin and the early days of Texas statehood through guided tours.

Visitor tips

• The grounds are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the museum operates from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with last admission at 4:15 p.m.
• Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, veterans, teachers, and first responders, and $4 for children ages 6 to 17.
• Convenient parking for the site is located nearby at 900 East 9th Street.
• Take advantage of the guided tours to see both the main house and the reconstructed detached Creole kitchen.

Nearby context

Located at 802 San Marcos Street, the French Legation State Historic Site sits in one of Austin's most vibrant and historic eastern neighborhoods. After exploring the peaceful hilltop grounds, visitors can easily walk to nearby local landmarks. Just a short distance away, you can experience Austin's famous culinary and music scenes at Stubb's Bar-B-Q and the Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater.