43. Island Lord’s Mansion Historical Relic

The Island Lord’s Mansion, known as the Grand Lord’s Mansion, Provincial Chief’s Mansion, was established between 1862-1876 along with other infrastructure on the island. Covering a total area of 20,810m², it comprises the main house, auxiliary buildings, and the surrounding garden. Over the span of 113 years (1862 – 1975), 53 Island Lords inhabited and governed this place, with 39 lords during the anti-French period and 14 lords during the anti-American period.

Prisoners commonly referred to the Director as “Grand Lord” or the Island Lord. This location served as the epicenter of power on the island, overseeing administrative, judicial, and military affairs. Simultaneously, it served as the origin of various conspiracies and plots to control the prisoners, acting as the central command for large-scale suppression across the entire island. The first Island Lord was Félix Roussel, a lieutenant and deputy commander of the French navy, and the last Island Lord was Lam Huu Phuong.

Throughout its history, many Island Lords were synonymous with brutality, representing a regime of violence and murder. Island Lord Andouard was one such figure who was assassinated by prisoners in 1919.

The Island Lord’s Mansion showcased the lavish lifestyle of the ruling class contrasted with the harsh and impoverished life of the prisoners. In the garden (known as Grand Lord Farm Department), dozens of prisoners were forced into intensive labor, catering to all aspects of the Island Lord’s life, including food, clothing, and shelter. This place was also where the first Revolutionary Government in Con Dao was established in 1945, and it witnessed the complete liberation of Con Dao in 1975.

On April 29, 1979, the Ministry of Culture and Information issued Decision No. 54-VHTT.QĐ, recognizing it as a nationally significant special relic, including the Island Lord’s Mansion. On May 10, 2012, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 548/QD-TTg, ranking it as a Special National Relic.

In 2019, the Island Lord’s Mansion underwent restoration, conservation, and interior reconstruction to recreate the activities of various Island Lords.