French Legation Update

Legislation has been filed to move the jurisdiction of the French Legation from the Texas Facilities Commission to the Texas Historical Commission. The legislation was filed by State Sen. Kirk Watson of Austin (SB 2005) and Rep. John Cyrier of Bastrop (HB 3810).

The DRT has been in discussion with these legislative offices to learn more about the intention behind the legislation and the impact it may have on the Daughter’s role at the Legation.

On March 13th, we issued the following statement:

“We are working with the Texas Facilities Commission to take appropriate steps to ensure that the French Legation’s future is secured and that adequate funding is available for much needed repairs to the facility. We are hopeful the Legislature will approve funding for this important structure that links the state to the days of the Republic of Texas.

“The Legation is important to us not only because of its place in Texas history, but also because we are very near the point of beginning construction of the DRT’s new history center, which will be located on the adjacent property. We welcome the opportunity to continue our support of the Legation as we move forward with our plans for the Republic of Texas History Center and the opening of the DRT library Collection at Texas A&M-San Antonio.”

We will keep you up-to-date as information on the French Legation becomes available. Regardless of the outcome, our mission to preserve and tell the story of Texas remains the same. To that end, we have recently formed a docent program for the Legation. For more information or to volunteer, contact DRT headquarters at 512-339-1997. Let us continue to honor the state of Texas and those brave individuals who made it possible.