Looking north along St. George Street at the corner of Bridge Street. This circa 1890s photograph shows both houses on St. George Street before the Dow House was moved to Bridge Street.

THE PRINCE MURAT HOUSE, circa 1790 - 1815

One of the oldest surviving Colonial structures in St. Augustine, this coquina dwelling is named after its most famous inhabitant. Prince Achille Murat, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, is said to have boarded at the house in 1824 when it was owned by the Canova family who owned and occupied most of this block from 1821 to 1877.

Perhaps it was here that Murat befriended Ralph Waldo Emerson while both were awaiting passage to travel north.

The Dow House today

Seeking a permanent residence in St. Augustine, the house was purchased by museum benefactor Kenneth Worcester Dow in 1941.

The Prince Murat House today

Soon after his purchase, Mr. Dow furnished the house with antiques associated with the Murat family. Today, the interior reflects Mr. Dow's interpretation of the Murat House with furnishings carefully collected for a prince and his princess.

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