Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
During a time of male patriarchy, the nineteenth century rarely saw powerful female governance. But what is now the Ximinez-Fatio House Museum witnessed ownership by three independent women. Located on Aviles Street – one of the oldest thoroughfares in America – and centered in St. Augustine’s oldest community district, this historic house is not your average, everyday museum. Portraying early tourism of the city through its distinctly decorated rooms and architecture, the Ximinez-Fatio House Museum provides a unique and insightful experience related to its multi-layered and historically-significant past.
The coquina stone home was originally built by a local Spanish storekeeper, Andres Ximinez, around the year 1798. The house’s main function as a private residence was later transformed into a boarding house when two women, Mrs. Margaret Cook and Mrs. Sarah Anderson, bought the property during the Seminole Wars. The house kept its primary purpose as an inn during its transitional ownership to Miss Louisa Fatio in 1855; the house receiving major remodeling throughout her lifetime. Eighty four years later, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America purchased the property in 1939 to restore and preserve it for the primary purpose of educating the public of its historical importance.
Today the museum is still overseen by the Colonial Dames, and portrays a 19th century boarding house – each room representing a typical guest or traveler of the period. The significance of the women who owned the property is also a common theme; business undertakings from women of the period were rare, and the Ximenez-Fatio boarding house was one of few considered socially acceptable. The house has also experienced extensive archaeological excavations. Among the most famous discoveries is a “Caravaca Cross” popular in the 17th century to celebrate the end of the plague; it is the first of its kind found in Florida. In addition, the home has been used for various educational purposes; in 1995, an educational video regarding Florida’s territorial period, Florida: The 27th Star, was taken at the property.
The Ximinez-Fatio House Museum remains an unsurpassed component of St. Augustine’s heritage and history, and remains a vital attraction to visitors and locals alike. (Emily Wertley, Flagler College)
