Mansion Flats in Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Governor’s Mansion

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2008

1. Governor’s Mansion Marker

Marker is currently propped against back fence of property

Inscription. This mansard-styled Victorian house was built for Albert Gallatin in 1877. Acquired by the State, it served as the first official Governor's residence. Governor George C. Pardee and his family moved in during November, 1903. It ultimately served as home for 13 Governors over a span of 64 years.

Erected 1968 by By the California Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Sutter Parlor No.111, N.D.G.W., Elk Grove Parlor No.41, N.S.G.W., August 10, 1968. (Marker Number 823.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.

Location. 38° 34.817′ N, 121° 29.068′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Mansion Flats. It can be reached from the intersection of H Street and 16th Street. GPS Coordinates are of the location of marker prior to removal. Marker is currently propped against the back fence of the property. Ask at Museum/Tour Office to see the marker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1526 H Street, 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

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this marker: Sacramento Memorial Auditorium (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Banquet at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium (about 800 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 800 feet away); Arts and Entertainment at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium (about 800 feet away); The Shrine/Polack Bros. Circus (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sacramento Air Defense Filter Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Boxing at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

Regarding Governor’s Mansion. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.823

Also see . . .
1. The Historic Governor’s Mansion of California. (Submitted on November 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Governor's Mansion State Historic Park. Wikipedia article (Submitted on January 3, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)

Additional commentary.
1. From the 1978 Tour Brochure
A Brief History

California’s Executive Mansion, popularly known as the Governor’s Mansion, was built in 1877-78 for Albert Gallatin, President of a pioneer Sacramento hardware

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 27, 1978

2. Governor’s Mansion Marker

1978 Photo of Marker Located on Front Grounds of Property

firm, [Huntington-Hopkins Hardware, restored building located at Old Sacramento] on land that was once part of the Mexican land grant to John A. Sutter. The structure, built by U.M Reese from the designs of Architect Nethaniel D. Goodell, cost more than $75,000.

In 1887, Gallatin sold the home to Joseph Steffens, drygoods merchant and father of author Lincoln Steffens, and in 1903 the State bought it for $32,500 unfurnished. In selecting the 15-room, 5-bathroom Mansion, the Capital Commissioners were thought to have considered comfort more than style, since the Victorian-Gothic architecture of the home already seemed dated in 1903. A small wing was added and the house refurbished and furnished, bringing the total cost to $56,000. Governor George Pardee became the first resident of the new Governor’s Mansion.

California’s previous attempts to provide a residence for her chief executive had proved futile. In 1879 a structure, which ultimately housed the State Printing Office and State Armory, had been started near the Capital, but it was never finished due to lack of funds, so governors rented houses or lived in hotels.

During its 64 years as the home of 13 California’s governors, the Mansion was the scene of four weddings – in 1921 Mrs. Randolph Zane (Barbara Stephens) married John N. Osborn, in 1926 Ruth Richardson Hilby married Warden Frank

Governor’s Mansion Front Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2008

3. Governor’s Mansion Front Entrance

J. Smith, in 1941 Dorothy Olson married Bruce Benson Whitney, and in 1955 Caroline Knight married Charles Weedman. There was also an assassination attempt, a dynamite explosion which destroyed the kitchen and pantry in 1917. Governor William Stephens and his wife were unharmed by the blast, which was an attributed to the Industrial Workers of the World, or “Wobblies.”

Though the State Fire Marshal had declared the building unsuitable for occupancy in 1941, no alternative official residence was provided, and Governors Warren, Knight, and Brown lived there throughout their terms of office. Governor Earl Warren lived in the Mansion the longest, from 1943 until his appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1953. Governor Ronald Reagan lived in the Mansion during the first part of 1967.

— Submitted November 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Governor’s Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2008

4. Governor’s Mansion

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2008

5. Governor’s Mansion

Close-Up of Windows in Tower

Governor’s Mansion - Sacramento, California image. Click for full size.

Dexter Press, Distributed by Fritz Vibe Enterprises, Sacramento, Calif.

6. Governor’s Mansion - Sacramento, California

Description on Postcard: Governor's Mansion - Located at 16th and H Streets. Built in 1877, the mansion truly represents the early California era. It housed all of California's governors and their families from 1903 to 1968. Open to the public.

Original View of the Albert Gallatin House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by California State Parks

7. Original View of the Albert Gallatin House

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 6,742 times since then and 136 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on March 14, 2009.