Governor's Mansion State Historic Park

A Victorian Time Capsule

Step back in time at this magnificent Victorian mansion, built in 1877 and home to 13 California governors from 1903 to 1967. This isn't just any historic house - it's a three-story, 30-room architectural park designed in the Second Empire-Italianate style that practically screams late 19th-century opulence.

Walk through rooms with 14-foot ceilings that make you feel tiny, admire the gleam of Italian marble fireplaces that have witnessed decades of political discussions, and catch your reflection in ornate French mirrors that once reflected the faces of California's most powerful families. Originally built for Albert Gallatin, a local hardware merchant who clearly had expensive taste, the State of California purchased this lavish residence in 1903 to house its governors.

Traces of Political Past

The mansion is like a museum of gubernatorial living, filled with treasures that tell stories of California's political families. You can see Governor Pardee's 1902 Steinway piano - imagine the melodies that once filled these rooms - and sink your gaze into the plush velvet furniture from Governor Hiram Johnson's era. The Persian rugs selected by Earl Warren's wife still add warmth and color to the historic floors.

What makes this place special is how it remains largely unchanged since the Reagans moved out in 1967. It's not just preserved; it's frozen in time, offering a rare window into the private lives of public figures who shaped California's history.

Visiting This Historic Park

In 1967, this private residence transformed into a public treasure when it became a state park and museum. The grounds surrounding the mansion feature historic plantings, some as old as the house itself, creating a living connection to the past.

Though governors no longer hang their hats here, the mansion continues to educate and inspire. Take one of the guided tours to truly appreciate the architectural details and hear fascinating stories about the families who called this place home. You'll gain insights into California's political history while admiring one of Sacramento's most distinctive landmarks.