Virginia Governor's Mansion

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The Virginia Governor's Mansion is located in Richmond, Virginia on Capital Square. It is the oldest occupied governor's mansion in the United States. It has served as the home of Virginia governors and their families since 1813. This mansion is both a Virginia and a National Historic Landmark, which was restored and furnished with antiques at the turn of the 20th century. During the Civil War, it was a center of leadership because Richmond was the second capital of the Confederate States of America.

History

When Richmond became the capital of Virginia in 1779, there was no residence for the governor, but Thomas Jefferson rented one. The state was so poor that they could not pay the rent in time, so they blamed Jefferson for the problem. The state finally paid off their rent and built a residence for the governor on the site of the present building.

The law that provided the construction of the current building was signed on February 13, 1811 by James Monroe. Monroe's term ended and was succeeded by George William Smith. Smith, however, was not the first governor to live in the mansion because he lost his life in the burning of the Richmond Theatre by saving others December 26, 1811. His successor, James Barbour was the first governor to live in the mansion. The term "mansion" was not used in the law that it was erected from, but it has been used ever since.

During the Administration of Governor James S. Gilmore III the Mansion was renovated and expanded in an effort to restore the home to its historical appearance, but also to bring the Mansion into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide additional living space for the First Family.

Distinguished visitors to the mansion

External links

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