The U.S.A. & Morocco Are Surprisingly Old Friends

The U.S.A. and Morocco are Surprisingly Old Friends

What building Is the only National Historic Landmark located outside the United States?

I’ll give you a hint: it’s the first foreign property ever owned by the newly-formed United States.

Still not sure? Well, read on for the surprising answer!

According to the Smithsonian Magazine this 200-year-old establishment “has served as a diplomatic residence, consulate, espionage headquarters, museum and library.” In fact, the American Legation in Tangier, Morocco, has been at the heart of Moroccan-American diplomacy since it was gifted to the young United States by the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Suliman in 1821.

Although this might seem like an extravagant gift, Morocco and the United States were already “old friends” by that time. Their long-standing friendship had begun in 1777 when Moroccan Sultan Moulay Mohammed ben Abdallah issued a proclamation that opened Moroccan ports to American ships and made Morocco the first country to acknowledge America’s independence from Britain. This proclamation was followed by the Moroccan–American Treaty of Friendship in 1786, which is “considered the forerunner of the League of Nations and United Nations because it speaks to broad cooperation within international law” according to the official government website on U.S. Cultural Heritage.

woman pointing to street sign reading "Rue d'amerique"

Today as a visitor, you can appreciate the Moorish-inspired architecture and lush courtyard gardens in this rambling mansion located in the walled old town of Tangier on Rue d’Amerique. At the Tangier American Legation Museum, you can discover the legacy of famous American writers and immerse yourself in a treasure trove of artifacts, documents, and artwork that bring the past to life. I was surprised to discover that a lion was among the many gifts offered to the United States by Morocco over time!

In recognition of its historic and cultural importance, the American Legation (also known as Old American Legation and the Tangier American Legation Museum) became a National Historic Landmark in 1982, making it the only foreign property to have that designation. As a museum and research center, the Legation continues to act as a bridge between the two nations and to foster understanding. Although the U.S. Embassy of Morocco is located in Rabat today, the American Legation in Tangier continues to stands as a testament in the heart of North Africa to the enduring friendship between the United States and Morocco.