Governor's Mansion State Historic Park facts for kids
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California Governor's Mansion
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 Location in Sacramento, California
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1526 H St, Sacramento, California |
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| Built | 1877 |
| Architect | Nathaniel D. Goodell |
| Architectural style | Second Empire-Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000139 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1970 |
The California Governor's Mansion is where California's governor lives. It's in Sacramento, the state capital. This beautiful house was built in 1877. The state bought it in 1903. Since then, 14 governors have called it home! It was used by governors from 1903 to 1967, and again from 2015 to 2019. Today, it's also a special place called the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park, managed by California State Parks.
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A Look Back: The Governor's Mansion Story
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This large mansion has thirty rooms and three floors. It was built in 1877 for a local hardware merchant named Albert Gallatin. The house has a special style called Victorian, mixing Second Empire and Italianate designs. In 1887, Albert Gallatin sold it to Joseph Steffens. Joseph was the father of a famous journalist, Lincoln Steffens.
In 1903, the State of California bought the house. They wanted it to be the official home for their governors. Many items from past governors are still inside. You can see George C. Pardee's 1902 Steinway piano. There are also velvet chairs and sofas that belonged to Governor Hiram Johnson. Even Persian rugs bought by Governor Earl Warren's wife are there.
Becoming a State Park
In 1967, the mansion became part of California State Parks. It was then known as the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park. Governor Ronald Reagan lived there for a few months. He then moved to a different house in Sacramento. After Reagan, other governors chose to live elsewhere.
In 1970, the mansion became a "historic house museum." This meant people could visit and learn about its history.
New Homes for Governors
From 1974 to 1975, a new mansion was built for the governor. It was in a Sacramento suburb called Carmichael. However, Governor Reagan had already left office. The next governor, Jerry Brown, chose not to live there. He preferred a smaller apartment. The new mansion was later sold and became a private home.
Governors George Deukmejian, Pete Wilson, and Gray Davis lived in a different house. This house was bought by Governor Deukmejian. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger often flew home to Los Angeles. When he stayed in Sacramento, he used a hotel suite.
When Jerry Brown became governor again in 2011, he lived in a downtown loft. It was a modern apartment.
In 2012, the Governor's Mansion was almost closed. It was one of many California State Parks facing closure. This was due to budget cuts. Luckily, these closures were avoided by reducing hours and maintenance.
The Mansion Becomes Home Again
In 2015, the mansion became the governor's official home once more. Governor Jerry Brown and his wife, Anne Gust Brown, moved in. Before they moved, the mansion had a big makeover. It cost $4.1 million to update the electrical and plumbing systems. Workers also removed old lead paint. They installed fire sprinklers and new security features.
In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom and his family lived in the mansion for a short time. They later moved to a house in Fair Oaks, another Sacramento suburb.
Other Important Governor's Buildings
The Leland Stanford Mansion
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The Leland Stanford Mansion is another important building. It was once the home of Leland Stanford. He was California's 8th Governor and founded Stanford University. Today, it's used for official events. The governor often hosts important guests, like leaders from other countries, here. It also has an office for the governor.
Casa de los Gobernadores
The Casa de los Gobernadores was built in 1974–75. It was meant to be the new official home for the governor. This house is in Carmichael, a suburb of Sacramento. However, Governor Reagan never lived there. It was finished after his time as governor ended. Jerry Brown, who became governor next, also chose not to live in it. In 1982, the state sold the house. It is now a private home.
See also
