The Texas Governor's Mansion was built in 1856 in Austin as the official residence for the governor. It was designed in the Greek Revival style by builder Abner Cook and originally had sparse furnishings. Over the years it underwent renovations and restorations, including a major one from 1979-1982 that cost $1 million. It remains the oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the U.S.

1. Texas Governor’s Mansion
A brief history of Texas’ most historic home and
official residence of every Governor since 1856.

2. A New Executive Residence
Built in 1856, 17 years after Austin was founded
Austin was a small frontier community, less than
2,500 residents when the Mansion was completed
Legislature appropriated $14,500 for the building,
and $2,500 for furnishings
Currently, the 4th
oldest continuously occupied
Governor’s residence in the U.S.

3. Committee Decides on Design
The TexasThe Texas
Legislature createdLegislature created
a committee toa committee to
oversee the designoversee the design
and constructionand construction
of the Mansionof the Mansion
consisting ofconsisting of
Governor Pease,Governor Pease,
State ComptrollerState Comptroller
James Shaw, andJames Shaw, and
State TreasurerState Treasurer
James H.James H.
Raymond.Raymond.
Conjectural drawing of
the Mansion before the
committee eliminated two
wings to save money.

4. The Mansion’s Greek Revival design is attributed to Cook’sThe Mansion’s Greek Revival design is attributed to Cook’s
early career in Nashville, Tennessee, where this style wasearly career in Nashville, Tennessee, where this style was
popular.popular.
This is evident in the Mansion’s columns, symmetrical design,This is evident in the Mansion’s columns, symmetrical design,
and central front door.and central front door.
Design
Cook was aCook was a
prominentprominent
builder inbuilder in
Austin whoAustin who
builtbuilt
severalseveral
grandgrand
houses inhouses in
this style.this style.
Abner Cook
Governor’s Mansion, c. 1870

5. Governor and Mrs. Pease
First Lady Lucadia Pease
influenced many of the
decisions about the
Mansion, including its
location on a city block
next to the Capitol
grounds. The site offered
a view, and land for stables
and Lucadia’s beloved
gardens.
Lucadia Pease Elisha Pease

6. Original furnishings were
bought in New York by
commissioned Austin
merchant S.M.
Swenson, but due to a
lack of funds, only the
downstairs was
furnished, leaving 3
bedrooms bare.
Furnishings were Sparse in the
Early Days
Walnut wardrobe, probably
Texas-made, has been used
since the 1860’s

7. Years of Change
In the 1870’s,
running water,
gas lights, and a
modern toilet
improved the
Mansion.
19th
Century Texas had little money to spend on
Mansion repairs and furnishings.
By the 1950’s the buildings required updating, so the foundation and roof
were fixed while a modern heating/air conditioning system was installed.
View of the Mansion from the Capital, circa 1889

8. Major Restoration
Designated a National
Historical Landmark, 1976
Governor and Mrs. Clements
made the Mansion a priority
during their first term, 1979-83
$1 Million spent by the State
for structural renovation of the
building from 1979-82
$3 Million from Friends of the
Governor’s Mansion for the
interior and furnishings
Front Entry Hall

9. References
The Governor’s Mansion of Texas:
A Tour of Texas’ Most
Historic Home. Dealey
Decherd Herndon, ed. Friends
of the Governor’s Mansion.
Austin, 1997.
The Texas Governor’s Mansion.
Jean Houston Daniel, Price
Daniel and Dorothy Blodgett.
Texas State Library and
Archives. Austin, 1984.

10. Other Sources
• Friends of the Governor’s Mansion web site
www.txfgm.org
• Texas Governor’s Office web site
www.governor.state.tx.us/about/mansion
• Texas State Archives and Library
www.tsl.state.tx.us

11. Photo References
Slide 1: Austin History Center AF-Governor’s Mansion
G3800 (I) PICA 06526
Slide 3: Hendricks and Walls, Inc. Dallas
Slide 4 left: AHC AF-BIO Cook, Abner PICB 01890
Slide 4 right: AHC AF-Governor’s Mansion General G3800
(I) PICA 08592 detail shown
Slide 5: Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, Austin
Slide 6 Hickey Robertson Photographers, Houston
Slide 7: Texas State Library 1932/5-105
Slide 8: Hickey Robertson Photographers, Houston
Slide 9: Jane Karotkin, Austin

12. Design by:
Colin Blankenship
Old House Productions
Copyright 2004, Friends of the Governor’s Mansion
Austin, Texas