Inside the Historic Mansions of America's Newly Elected Governors
Nineteen incoming governors prepare to occupy state-owned executive residences with rich architectural histories.
1Transitioning to Executive Residences
In January, 19 newly elected governors across the United States will transition into their official executive residences. While most states maintain these historic properties for their leaders, five states—Arizona, Idaho, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont—do not provide an official mansion. Governors in these states typically reside in their own private homes.
2Historical Architectural Significance
Many governor's mansions are grand, historic structures dating back to the 19th century. Virginia holds the record for the oldest continuously inhabited residence, dating to 1813. These homes often feature distinct architectural styles, such as Neoclassical, Greek Revival, and Victorian, reflecting the cultural heritage and political history of their respective states.
3California's Victorian Executive Home
Governor-elect Xavier Becerra will reside in a 20,000-square-foot Victorian mansion in Sacramento, originally built in 1877. After being deemed uninhabitable in 1967 by the Reagans, the property served as a museum until a major 2015 renovation. It now features 30 rooms, Italian marble fireplaces, and a private kidney-shaped swimming pool.
4Colorado and Iowa Traditions
Colorado’s red brick Colonial Revival mansion in Denver, built in 1908, has served as the official residence since 1960. It includes a greenhouse and a carriage house on one-acre grounds. Meanwhile, Iowa’s Terrace Hill, an 18,000-square-foot Second Empire residence from 1869, functions as both a governor's home and a public museum.
5Southern and Midwestern Estates
In Alabama, the 119-year-old neoclassical mansion features a grand bifurcated staircase and Corinthian columns. Conversely, Michigan offers two distinct residences: a 1957 ranch-style home in Lansing and a 1901 Arts-and-Crafts summer mansion on Mackinac Island. These properties provide varying levels of utility and historical character for the incoming state leaders.
6Modern and Unique Amenities
Oklahoma’s 1928 Dutch Colonial mansion in Tulsa features a unique swimming pool shaped like the state map. The grounds also include an outdoor kitchen and tennis court, situated on the former site of a 1964 helipad. These amenities highlight how historic homes are adapted to meet modern functional and security requirements.
7Diverse Historical Preservation
South Carolina’s Federal-style mansion, dating to 1855, was originally used as military academy officers’ quarters before becoming the official residence in 1868. Tennessee’s 10-acre Georgian-style estate, known as Far Hills, has housed governors since 1949. These properties serve as symbols of state authority, requiring constant maintenance to preserve their original architectural integrity.
8Future of Executive Housing
While some states maintain pristine historic homes, others face challenges with disrepair or vacancy. Nebraska has not used its official residence in over a decade, and Wyoming is currently considering a new, upgraded facility. These transitions underscore the ongoing debate regarding the necessity and cost of maintaining grand state-owned executive properties.