Governor's Mansion

Built in 1871, and designed by St. Louis architect George Ingham Barnett. The three story brick building took seven months to construct at a cost $74,960 and much of the work was performed by prisoners of the nearby penitentiary. It was first occupied on Jan. 20, 1872, by Gov. Benjamin Gratz Brown and his family. The mansion is an example of Brick Renaissance Revival-style design and includes a Second Empire style patterned mansard roof that was popular in the 1860s -1890s. The entry consists of an imposing portico with four pink granite columns, which were donated by Gov. Brown. Future Governors have continued the practice of donating to the Mansion. The first floor includes a 17-foot high Great Hall, two parlors, a library and a divided dining room. It consists of 13 bedrooms on the second and third floors. The house was built without any closets or bathrooms which along with electricity were later added by First Lady Jane Francis during here husbands tenure as Governor. Additional changes have included a covered entrance, second floor screened in porch and electric lights on the outside of the building. During the term of Gov. Lloyd Crow Stark from 1937-1941, the Mansion underwent an extensive remodel under the direction of First Lady Katherine Stark. The covered entrance was removed and a two-story addition was added. The building’s brick exterior was painted white and a new garage was built. Additional bathrooms and closets were added to further modernize the home. Several other modern appliances and comforts were added through the years. The kitchen in the Mansion received its first automatic dishwasher in 1949. In 1958, an elevator was installed to make it easier to travel the 85 steps between the home’s three floors. Another major renovation for the mansion took place during the term of Gov. Warren Hearnes in 1965-1973. First Lady Betty Hearnes focuses on updating the aging home. The iron work on the roof was repaired and the slate, wooden cornices and window casements were replaced. Another significant restoration from this time was the removal of many coats of paint that covered the home’s bricks, returning it to the original pink.
With several structural issues addressed, the renovation efforts during the term of Gov. Christopher “Kit” Bond could focus on the inside of the home. First Lady Carolyn Bond made sure the furniture and décor found within the Mansion focused on historic accuracy. Practical renovations were also made, adding air conditioning throughout the house and improving the temperature controls. Repair work continued in the term of Gov. Melvin “Mel” Carnahan in 1993- 2000. First Lady Jean Carnahan oversaw a series of repairs during that time, including replacing the leaky roof, repainting its grillwork and restoring sagging ceilings. Improvements were also made to the basement, the location of staff and security offices. The Carnahans also donated the Missouri Children’s Fountain located in front of the home. The Missouri Governor's Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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