Bidault House
Colleyville, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Constructed of molded concrete blocks, this house was designed and built by French native Anthlem Bidault (1862-1951), a farmer and wine maker. Started in 1905, the house was completed six years later. Bidault's farm became noted for its orchards, berry fields, and vineyard. During World War I French soldiers stationed at Camp Bowie near Fort Worth were entertained in the house. The Bidaults and their unmarried children returned to France in 1920. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1980
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
French immigrant Anthlem Bidault brought Old World winemaking to the Texas prairie, hand-building this house from molded concrete blocks between 1905 and 1911. His farm flourished with orchards, berry fields, and a vineyard, and during World War I he opened his home to French soldiers training at nearby Camp Bowie. In 1920 the Bidaults and their unmarried children sailed back to France.
Why it matters
The Bidault House is a tangible trace of the European immigrants who diversified American agriculture, and a rare instance of Old World hospitality extended to soldiers of a shared homeland during the Great War.
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Related people
- · Anthlem Bidault
Related events
- · World War I
Themes & tags
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