Central Business District in Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Leland Stanford House

Photographed by Syd Whittle, September 27, 2008

1. Leland Stanford House Marker

Inscription. The house originally designed in 1857 by Seth Babson and was purchased by Leland Stanford in 1861. It served as the State Executive Office from 1861 to 1867, before the completion of the State Capital. It was later extensively remodeled and enlarged. In 1900 Jane Lathrop Stanford gave the house to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento to create the Stanford-Lathrop Memorial Home for Friendless Children.

Erected 1986 by The State Department of Parks and Recreation with the cooperation and support of The Stanford Alumni Club of Sacramento. August 1, 1986. (Marker Number 614.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 38° 34.584′ N, 121° 29.875′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in the Central Business District. It can be reached from N Street. Marker is located in the front gardens of

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the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800, Sacramento CA 95814, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Sacramento Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Stately Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Heilbron House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Sacramento High School (about 700 feet away); The California Peace Officers Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jesse M. Unruh State Office Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Synagogue (approx. 0.2 miles away); California Mexican-American War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); California’s Historic Capitol (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Syd Whittle, September 27, 2008

2. Leland Stanford House Marker

of all markers in Sacramento.

Regarding Leland Stanford House. The Leland Stanford Mansion is a National Historic Landmark and a California Registered Historical Landmark (No.614)

Also see . . .
1. California State Parks: The Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park. (Submitted on September 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. The Leland Stanford Mansion. (Submitted on September 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Additional commentary.
1. National Historic Landmark - Statement of Significance (as of designation-May 27, 1987)
Built in 1857, this Renaissance Revival, two story, square house was the residence of the two Civil War Governors of California. Pro-Union Leland Stanford (1824-1893) was the first Republican to be elected Governor of the State; his successor, Frederick F. Low (1828-1894), was elected under the banner of the Union Party, a coalition of Republicans and Northern Democrats. Their leadership from 1862 to 1870 insured the State remained loyal to the Union. Stanford also served as President of the Central Pacific Railroad, which constructed the western portion of the transcontinental

Leland Stanford Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, September 27, 2008

3. Leland Stanford Mansion

rail system.

The Leland and Jane Stanford House is the only surviving structure associated with Leland Stanford's career. The house is owned by California State Parks but has not been used or occupied for several years. Winter storms in 1997-98 caused damage and added to the overall deterioration. Currently State Parks is working with a private non-profit organization to develop plans for adaptive reuse of the mansion as a museum, meeting and reception site. The plans are being developed in conjunction with representatives from the preservation community to ensure the integrity of the building.
Since this Statement of Significance was written, the Mansion has been restored. It is open to the public, and serves as a meeting and entertainment center for official state functions of the State of California

— Submitted September 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, September 27, 2008

4. Leland Stanford Mansion

Photographed by Syd Whittle, September 27, 2008

5. Leland Stanford Mansion

A Stately Mansion-This Landmark Home Upholds a Tradition of Service to the State image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, September 27, 2008

6. A Stately Mansion-This Landmark Home Upholds a Tradition of Service to the State

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, a National Historic Landmark, served as headquarters of three governors during the turbulent 1860s. Today it welcomes leaders from around the world as the State's official reception center and public museum. As a Pro-Union Civil War governor and president of the Central Pacific Railroad, Leland Stanford negotiated political and business deals that helped complete the transcontinental railroad. Jane Lathrop Stanford gave birth to their only child, Leland Jr., here on May 14, 1868. The couple's new wealth enabled them to expand the mansion in 1872, creating the architectural legacy you see today. In the 20th Century, children in need found a home in the mansion when Jane Stanford gave it to Sacramento's Catholic diocese. California State Park bought the property and, supported by the Leland Stanford Mansion Foundation, restored its Victorian grandeur. In 2005, this stately home opened to the public, renewing its service to the state.

The Stanford-Lathrop Memorial Home for Friendless Children, C.1925 image. Click for full size.

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park Brochure

7. The Stanford-Lathrop Memorial Home for Friendless Children, C.1925

Portrait of Leland, Jane, and Leland, Jr. 1880 image. Click for full size.

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park Brochure

8. Portrait of Leland, Jane, and Leland, Jr. 1880

Photo Courtesy of Stanford University Archives

Northwest Corner of House Prior to 1870 image. Click for more information.

Library of Congress

9. Northwest Corner of House Prior to 1870

Prior to the raising of the house and expansion done by Leland Stanford.

Photo Source: Library of Congress
Click for more information.

Leland Stanford House - View from Northeast image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Eadweard Muybridge, circa 1872

10. Leland Stanford House - View from Northeast

Leland Stanford House image. Click for full size.

September 21, 2008

11. Leland Stanford House

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,680 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 9. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 10, 11. submitted on March 14, 2009.