French Legation
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Erected in the year 1841 by Conte Alphonse Dubois De Saligny, Charge D'Affaires for King Louis Philippe of France, to the Texas Republic. He lived here 1841-1842. House constructed of Bastrop pine, in Louisiana bayou style. Furnishings include several pieces once owned by Saligny. Purchased by State of Texas in 1945. Placed in custody of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who restored the house and maintain the property.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1841 for Alphonse Dubois de Saligny, King Louis Philippe's envoy to the young Republic of Texas, the French Legation is a rare survivor of the brief period when Texas was an independent nation courting foreign recognition. Constructed of Bastrop pine in a Louisiana bayou style, it housed the flamboyant chargé d'affaires for barely a year. The State of Texas bought the house in 1945 and placed it with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who restored it.
Why it matters
The Legation is a tangible reminder that Texas once stood as a sovereign republic conducting its own diplomacy with the great powers of Europe.
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Related people
- · Alphonse Dubois de Saligny
- · Louis Philippe
Related events
- · Republic of Texas diplomacy
Themes & tags
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