Old Louisiana Governor's Mansion facts for kids
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Old Louisiana Governor's Mansion
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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View of the Old Governor's Mansion, 2013
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 Location in Baton Rouge Downtown
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| Location | 502 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1930 |
| Architect | Dreyfus, Weiss & Seifert |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Part of | Beauregard Town Historic District (ID80001713) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000847 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 24, 1975 |
| Designated CP | October 14, 1980 |
The Old Louisiana Governor's Mansion is a special building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It served as the official home for Louisiana's governors, who are like the state's top leaders. From 1930 to 1963, nine different governors lived and worked here. The mansion was built when Huey Long was governor, and he was the first to live in it. Some people say Governor Long wanted the mansion to look like the White House in Washington D.C. because he hoped to become president one day. Others just think it's a beautiful example of a classic Georgian-style house.
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History of the Governor's Mansion
The Old Governor's Mansion is actually the second governor's home built on this spot. Even though Louisiana became a state in 1812, the state didn't buy its first official governor's house until 1887. This first house, called the Knox mansion, was built in 1857.
Governor Francis T. Nicholls was the first governor to live in the Knox mansion. It served as the official home for Louisiana governors from 1887 until 1929. That's when Governor Huey P. Long decided to tear it down and build a brand new mansion.
Building the New Mansion
When Huey P. Long became governor in 1928, he wanted a new, modern home for the state's leader. In February 1929, he arranged for the old Knox mansion to be taken down. The very next day, plans for the new mansion were approved. Building the Old Governor's Mansion cost about $150,000, which was a lot of money back then. An extra $22,000 was spent on fancy drapes, sparkling chandeliers, and other beautiful decorations.
Life in the Mansion
The Old Governor's Mansion was home to nine different governors and their families. They lived there until 1963, when a new governor's mansion was built. The new home is located near the Louisiana State Capitol building.
After the governors moved out, the Old Governor's Mansion found a new purpose. In 1964, it became the home of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. The museum used the mansion as its main building until 1976. Then, the museum moved to a different location.
A Historic Landmark Today
In 1978, the Old Governor's Mansion was officially recognized as a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. From 1996 to 1998, the mansion was carefully restored to its original beauty. It opened to the public as a historic house museum in 1999.
Today, the mansion is managed by Louisiana's Secretary of State. Visitors and school groups can take tours to learn about its history. The mansion is also used for special events like weddings and parties. It's a great way to see a piece of Louisiana's past!
The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 24, 1975. It was also recognized as an important part of the Beauregard Town Historic District when that district was created on October 14, 1980.
See also
