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 (95 years ago) |
| 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 (50 years agi) |
| Designated CP | October 14, 1980 |
The Old Louisiana Governor's Mansion is a historic building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It served as the official home for Louisiana's governors from 1930 to 1963. This grand house is located at 502 North Boulevard. It was built when Huey Long was governor, and he was the first governor to live there.
Many people say that Governor Long wanted the mansion to look like the White House in Washington D.C.. The story goes that he wanted to get used to the White House because he hoped to become president one day. However, others believe it's simply a great example of a Georgian-style mansion.
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History of the Governor's Home
The Old Governor's Mansion is actually the second governor's home on this spot. Louisiana became a state in 1812, but it didn't buy an official governor's house until 1887. The state bought an older house, built in 1857, for $10,000. Governor Francis T. Nicholls was the first governor to live in that house. It was the official residence from 1887 until 1929.
Building the New Mansion
When Governor Huey P. Long started his term in 1928, he didn't like the old governor's house. He saw it as a symbol of the past. In February 1929, Governor Long decided to tear down the old house. He even got help from local workers to take it apart quickly. The very next day, plans for the new mansion were approved.
Building the Old Governor's Mansion cost about $150,000. An extra $22,000 was spent on fancy drapes, crystal chandeliers, and other beautiful decorations. This project caused some debate during Governor Long's time in office.
What Happened After 1963?
The Old Governor's Mansion was home to nine different governors. In 1963, a new governor's mansion was built nearby. After that, in 1964, the Old Governor's Mansion became the home of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. The museum used the mansion as its main building until 1976.
In 1978, the mansion was recognized as an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. From 1996 to 1998, the mansion was carefully restored. It opened as a historic house museum in 1999. Today, Louisiana's Secretary of State manages the mansion.
Visiting the Old Governor's Mansion
The Old Governor's Mansion welcomes visitors for tours. School groups can also visit to learn about its history. The mansion is also a popular place for special events. People use it for weddings, parties, and other gatherings.
The mansion was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 24, 1975. It also became a part of the Beauregard Town Historic District on October 14, 1980.
See also
