Capitol District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Virginia’s Executive Mansion

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 3, 2014

1. Virginia’s Executive Mansion Marker

Inscription. Designed by renowned Boston architect Alexander Parris and completed in 1813, Virginia’s Federal-style Executive Mansion is the oldest purpose-built residence for governors and first families in the United States still serving that function. Until 1902, the governor had his office here. A garden designed by prominent landscape architect Charles F. Gillette in the 1950s complements the house. This mansion, which stands as a survivor of war, changing politics, and a symbol of the endurance of the Old Dominion, was listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register in 1968 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1988.

Erected 2012 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-104.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.

Location. 37° 32.322′ N, 77° 25.957′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Capitol District. It can be reached from Capitol Square east of North 9th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Executive Mansion of Virginia (a few steps from this marker); John Tyler (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia Civil Rights Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Capitol Cornerstone (within shouting distance of this marker); Hunter Holmes McGuire, M.D. (within shouting distance of this marker); Richmond, Virginia Bicentennial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas J. Jackson, General CSA (about 300 feet away); Loving v. Virginia (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Virginia’s Executive Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 3, 2014

2. Virginia’s Executive Mansion

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, January 29, 2025

3. Virginia’s Executive Mansion Marker

Virginia Capitol Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 10, 2010

4. Virginia Capitol Building

The Executive Mansion shares Capitol Square with Virginia's Capitol Building. The Capitol Building was originally designed by Virginia's second Governor, Thomas Jefferson.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 943 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on January 31, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 4. submitted on November 26, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.