French Legation State Historic Site

The French Legation is a historic building (1969) in eastern Austin constructed in 1841 to represent the French government in the new Republic of Texas representing the story of Texas settlement and the growth of the capital city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

One of the oldest houses in Austin, it opened its doors in 1841 as a home and diplomatic outpost for France’s representative to the Republic of Texas Alphonse Dubois, after France recognized the Republic of Texas as a sovereign nation.

This structure, its surrounding landscape, and visitors center provides guests with a cultural destination where individuals from surrounding neighborhoods can gather, offering outdoor interpretive panels exploring the development of the property and its role in the development of East Austin.