II. Architectural and Historical Context and Significance

This document is Section II of the Historic Structure Report on the Tangier American Legation prepared by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations of the United States Department of State in 2011. This section of the report explains the historical and architectural significance of the structure, beginning with a general diplomatic history of Tangier.  It then provides a functional and architectural history of the Legation building, including the modifications to the building, starting when the United States and Morocco first began negotiations, through the acquisition of Legation in 1821, damage to the property during bombardments of Tangier, expansions by the consul in the 1920s, the role of the Legation during World War II, and finally the conversion into a museum in 1975-1976. Finally it ends with an assessment of the current condition of the property.  Illustrated with historic images and plans.

United States Department of State, Overseas Building Operations