Governor's Mansion State Historic Park

Governor's Mansion State Historic Park, located in downtown Sacramento, California, is centered around the historic California Governor's Mansion. Built in 1877, this ornate Victorian-era house served as the official residence for 13 California governors from 1903 to 1967.

The mansion itself is a three-story, 30-room structure designed in the Second Empire-Italianate architectural style. It features 14-foot ceilings, Italian marble fireplaces, and French mirrors that reflect the opulent tastes of the late 19th century. The house was originally constructed for Albert Gallatin, a local hardware merchant, and was later purchased by the State of California in 1903 to serve as the governor's residence.

Throughout its years as the executive mansion, the house accumulated a rich collection of historical furnishings and personal items from various gubernatorial families. Visitors can see Governor Pardee's 1902 Steinway piano, velvet furniture from Governor Hiram Johnson's time, and Persian rugs acquired by Earl Warren's wife. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to California's political history.

In 1967, the property was transformed into a state park and opened to the public as a museum. The mansion stands largely as it did when vacated by the Reagans in 1967, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of California's governors over more than six decades. The park grounds also feature historic plantings, some dating back to the mansion's construction, adding to its historical value.

While no longer serving as a residence, the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park continues to play a role in California's cultural landscape. It offers guided tours that provide insights into the state's gubernatorial history and the architectural developments of the period.