Near the banks of the Susquehanna River in Bradford County, Pennsylvania stands a historical marking that states, "Marie Antoinette Scenic View, 2000 feet".
In 1793, during the French Revolution several French loyalists fled France and the French island of Santo Domingo (present-day Haiti) to escape persecution and death for their loyalty to King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. They landed on the shores of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they met three prominent Philadelphians, Robert Morris, John Nicholson, and Stephen Girard, who agreed to finance their stay in Pennsylvania. Stephen Girard purchased 1,600 acres in Northeastern Pennsylvania and gave it to the refugees.
The loyalists traveled up the Susquehanna River in Durham boats and dugout canoes. Durham Boats - Durham boats were 60 feet long, eight feet wide, and could carry up to 12 tons of goods while requiring only 24 inches of water to float. They were pushed forward with long poles tipped in iron by a crew who walked along boards that ran the length of the boat on each side. A steersman with a 20-foot long sweep, or steering oar, controlled the boat, and a set of sails was used whenever possible.
When they arrived at their destination, they found the area pristine. The shining sun glistened off the water. They found their safe harbor and named it Azilum (also spelled "Asylum").
Within one year of settling, the settlers built thirty log homes, several small shops, a schoolhouse, a chapel, and a theater. The largest building, La Grande Maison, stood in size 80 by 60 feet. It had many small windows and eight fireplaces. Legend has it that the loyalists built the large home in hopes that Marie Antoinette would escape from prison in France, flee to Pennsylvania with her two children, and find refuge in Azilum. It never happened; the Queen of France was executed for treason and lost her life beneath the blade of a guillotine. (However, it should be noted that there is no documentation to support the story of Marie Antoinette coming to Pennsylvania. More information can be found at the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Website
After the Queen’s death, the settlers remained in Azilum using the Queen’s home to entertain French nobles such as the Foreign Minister, Tallyrand, and the future French king, Louis Phillipe. Soon the challenge of living in the Pennsylvania woods became too much for the French refugees, especially after two of the three men who agreed to finance the settlement filed for bankruptcy. With the ending of the Reign of Terror in France, some of the settlers returned to their home country, while others decided to travel south to Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Two hundred and fourteen years later the only evidence of a settlement is the foundation of one of the buildings. However, in 1836, John LaPorte, the son of one of the original French settlers, built the LaPorte House on the grounds. Today visitors can tour the LaPorte House and see handhewn timbers, French wall decorations, hand-blown glass windows, and a gazebo and herb garden. Visitors can also walk Azilum’s nature trail along the Susquehanna River. Click here for travel information on French Azilum.
Resources:
DeLeon, Clark. Pennsylvania Curiosities. The Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT, 2001.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Website
