Stanford Mansion Grand Opening

Public Grand Opening and Free Tours of Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

• Experience the majesty and elegance of the 19,000-square-foot Leland Stanford Mansion with guided tours of the restored interior
• Highlights include ceilings that soar up to 20 feet in height, gilded mirrors and moldings, beautifully restored woodwork, elegant 19th century crystal and bronze light fixtures, newly-re-created carpeting and original period furnishings
• Enjoy an exhibit of awe-inspiring paintings highlighting nature’s grandeur
Grounds & Gardens
• Tour the newly installed, period-style gardens
• Enjoy performances and melodies reflective of Leland Stanford’s era

When:     September 9, 10 and 11, 2005 
                10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where:   Leland Stanford Mansion
                State Historic Park
                800 N Street (at corner of 8th and N Streets)
Cost:      Free

Located at 800 N Street in Sacramento, California, the Victorian-era Leland Stanford Mansion opens to the public on September 9, 10 and 11 with free tours and a festival.  It serves as the State’s official address for diplomatic and business receptions as well as offering public tours as a California State Historic Park.
 
Built between 1856 and 1858, the four story, 19,000 square foot Mansion has special historical and architectural significance. It served as the office of three governors during California’s early years: Leland Stanford, Fredrick Low and Henry Haight.

It was also the site of California’s first presidential visit by Rutherford B. Hayes and General Sherman in the late 1800s. The mansion was acquired by California State Parks in 1978.

Built about 1856 as a two-story structure for prominent businessman Shelton Fogus, it was sold in 1861 to Leland Stanford, President of the Central Pacific Railroad Corporation, who became California’s eighth governor in January of 1862.  Soon thereafter, Stanford added new landscaping and a wing to the east side of the building to become his governor’s office.  One exuberant writer characterized the property as “the most perfect specimen of a house in all of California.”

After serving a two-year term as governor, Stanford returned to private life and traveled frequently on railroad business.  The State then rented Stanford’s furnished home for the next governor, Frederick Low.  Henry Haight, who succeeded Low as governor, rented Stanford’s office until a new governor’s office was opened in the Capitol in 1869.  Meanwhile, the Stanfords moved back into the home in late 1867, and Jane Lathrop Stanford gave birth to Leland Junior the following spring.  Stanford University was later founded in memory of the boy, who died of typhoid in his teens.