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History of Jefferson City Missouri Driving Tour
Item 16 of 29
Built in 1871, the Missouri Governor's Mansion is located near the state capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri. The first governor to take up residence there was Benjamin Gratz Brown (in office from January 1871-January 1873). It was designed by English native George Ingham Barnett in the Second Empire style, which was popular at the time. The style is distinguished by the use of a steep roof, which allows for another living space on the top floor. The home was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

The Governor's Mansion

The Governor's Mansion

Postcard of the Missouri Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City, c. 1908 Image courtesy of the Missouri State Museum

Postcard of the Missouri Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City, c. 1908
Image courtesy of the Missouri State Museum

Postcard of the Missouri Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City c. 1945. Image courtesy of the Missouri State Museum

Postcard of the Missouri Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City c. 1945.
Image courtesy of the Missouri State Museum

Missouri Governor's Mansion, undated photo. Courtesy of the Missouri State Museum.

Missouri Governor's Mansion, undated photo.
Courtesy of the Missouri State Museum.
Construction began in 1871 and took only 8 months to complete. Inmates from the nearby Missouri State Penitentiary built the house. Originally it had 13 bedrooms and no closets or bathrooms. During the past 50 years or so, first lady's have led efforts to restore and preserve the building and its furnishings. In the late 1970s, First Lady Carolyn Bond started the Docent Program, where volunteers dress up in era clothing and lead tours. The most recent renovations took place in 2008.
"History of the Missouri Governor's Mansion." http://mansion.mo.gov/history.php. Retrieved 4-21-15. "History." http://missourimansion.org/about/history. Retrieved 4-21-15.