Taking Pride in Preservation: Preserving the Watson Chateau for Austin’s LGBTQ+ Community
Pool party at the Watson Chateau. AR-2005-001-001 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
BY TRAVIS HOLLER
Nestled within the heart of the University of Texas at Austin campus and overlooking Waller Creek, the Watson Chateau stands as an enduring legacy for Austin's vibrant LGBTQ+ history. This historic home, also known as "The Chateau," not only boasts unique architectural elements but also holds an important connection to Austin's LGBTQ+ community. Its significance extends beyond its architecture and beauty—it provides a connection to the previous owners, their lives, and embodies the enduring spirit of Pride.
Dating back to 1853, the Watson Chateau is a living relic of Texas history. Constructed during the Antebellum Period, it stands as one of the oldest houses in Austin and the oldest building on UT's campus. At the heart of the Watson Chateau's history is the love story of its last owners: Arthur P. Watson, Jr. and Bob Garrett. For nearly five decades, they lived within its walls, hosting extravagant gatherings that welcomed hundreds of gay and straight members of society. In a time of hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals, the Chateau provided a safe haven where gay men could gather, away from societal judgment. Although they were private about their personal life, Arthur and Bob, played a significant role during the gay rights movement, offering a safe haven for the gay community during the AIDS epidemic and fostering unity within an increasingly marginalized community.
Watson and Garrett in their home. AR-2005-001-034, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
The Watson Chateau stands as an enduring symbol of the struggles for equality and acceptance that prior generations of the LGBTQ+ community have endured and the progress they achieved. However, as the last Texas Legislative session highlighted, the fight for equality is far from over. Like the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, the Chateau has weathered both the changing times and threats to its existence. As years have passed the home has faced deterioration from the elements, threats of development, and erasure from memory as prior generations pass away. Now, efforts to preserve this historic landmark are finally growing in urgency as the loss of the Chateau would erase an integral chapter of both Austin and Texas’ queer history.
As Austin’s LGBTQ+ history still faces the threat of erasure, the Chateau’s significance becomes even more urgent. Preservation Austin is working tirelessly with the Friends of the Watson Chateau to secure the Chateau’s future and honor its heritage. To ensure the survival of the Chateau, specific actions are needed––the building has suffered from years of neglect and deterioration requiring careful maintenance and, eventually, restoration. Detailed 3D scanning is needed to document the architectural details for future preservation work. And lastly, the community deserves a say on the future of the Chateau and the best ways to honor its important history. By taking these steps, UT can showcase its commitment to historical and cultural preservation while creating a vibrant, inclusive space that honors our collective history.
The Watson Chateau stands as a living connection to LGBTQ+ history, architecture, and Austin's heritage. Its preservation transcends the physical bricks and mortar, offering a direct link to the LGBTQ+ community's journey towards equality and acceptance. As Pride events continue to shine a spotlight on our community's accomplishments and challenges, the preservation of historic landmarks like the Chateau ensures that these narratives remain a cherished part of our collective story. By embracing the spirit of Pride through preservation, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for a more inclusive future. Its preservation is an affirmation that the struggles and victories of the past are not forgotten, and that they continue to shape our path forward. But this endeavor requires more than sentiment; it requires collective action.
Lawrence v. Texas legalized homosexuality across the county ,"Justices, 6-3, Legalize Gay Sexual Conduct in Sweeping Reversal of Court's '86 Ruling" New York Times article, June 27, 2003
As Austin’s LGBTQ+ history still faces the threat of erasure, the Chateau’s significance becomes even more urgent. Preservation Austin is working tirelessly with the Friends of the Watson Chateau to secure the Chateau’s future and honor its heritage. To ensure the survival of the Chateau, specific actions are needed––the building has suffered from years of neglect and deterioration requiring careful maintenance and, eventually, restoration. Detailed 3D scanning is needed to document the architectural details for future preservation work. And lastly, the community deserves a say on the future of the Chateau and the best ways to honor its important history. By taking these steps, UT can showcase its commitment to historical and cultural preservation while creating a vibrant, inclusive space that honors our collective history.
The Watson Chateau in 2009, view of the two stories in the back of the Watson Chateau including one solo balcony and the double deck glass-enclosed balconies outfitted with green iron work, photo from private collection.
By contributing to its preservation efforts, spreading awareness, and visiting the landmark, we ensure that the stories engraved within its walls continue to inspire generations to come. In preserving the Chateau, we preserve the very essence of Pride: the courage to be oneself, the determination to rise above adversity, and the unyielding pursuit of a world where every individual is celebrated for who they are. This Pride month, let us not only celebrate but also recommit ourselves to this ongoing journey towards equality.
To learn more about the Watson Chateau, check out “To Liberate,” a digital exhibition on the history of the site prepared by researcher Marta Stefaniuk.