Grass Mountain Chateau

The Grass Mountain Chateau (蔣公草山行館) is a former residence of late President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石). It is located in Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China in the Yangmingshan National Park. The residence was constructed in 1920 by the Taiwan Sugar Corporation. Emperor Hirohito of Japan personally visited the residence and stayed there for 1 hour and 50 minutes, according to historical records.

When the Republic of China government moved from Nanking in mainland China to Taipei in Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek initially stayed at the Chateau as his first residence in Taiwan. It became known as the first ROC Presidential Residence in Taiwan.

At around 12:22 AM on Saturday, April 7, 2007 a large fire engulfed the main halls of the Chateau. The Grass Mountain Chateau was almost entirely damaged. The flames were so large that the Yangmingshan Fire Department had to call in other engines nearby Shilin and Shipai. The fire was put under control at around 1:20 AM. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Nevertheless, there has been wide speculation that the fire was the act of arsonists against President Chiang in wake of the ruling Taiwan independence leading Democratic Progressive Party an anti-Chiang and anti-Chinese campaign. Three days later the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs announced that it would be restored to its original design at a cost of $US900,000 [http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/04/20/2003357427] . A free concert is reported to be scheduled this summer in New York City to help raise funds for the restoration. Ed Eizember, the events organizer, has been touring North America to raise awareness of the event.

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