What is the Texas Governor’s Mansion and where is it located?

The Texas Governor's Mansion is a historic Greek Revival-style home located in downtown Austin, just southwest of the Texas Capitol grounds. It occupies a three-acre city block bounded by Colorado, Lavaca, West Tenth, and West Eleventh streets.

How much does it cost to visit the Texas Governor's Mansion?

Guided tours of the Texas Governor's Mansion are free. These tours are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Who designed the mansion and when was it built?

The mansion was designed by architect Abner Cook and built between 1854 and 1856. Governor E. M. Pease became the first governor to occupy the residence, spending his first night there on June 10, 1856.

Was the mansion ever damaged by a fire?

Yes, the mansion was significantly damaged by a four-alarm fire caused by a Molotov cocktail on June 8, 2008, while it was undergoing renovations. A complete restoration of the historic home was subsequently completed in 2012.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Texas Governor’s Mansion in Austin

Q: What makes this mansion historically significant?

Completed in 1856, it is the oldest continuously inhabited house in Texas and the oldest governor's mansion west of the Mississippi River. Nationally, it is the fourth oldest governor's residence continuously occupied by a chief executive.

Texas Governor’s Mansion

Located just southwest of the Texas Capitol, this historic 1856 Greek Revival mansion is the oldest continuously occupied executive residence west of the Mississippi and the proud home of Texas governors for generations.

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What to know

In February 1854, the Texas legislature appropriated $17,500 to build a suitable residence for the state's chief executive. Governor E. M. Pease and his commissioners selected a three-acre city block bounded by Colorado, Lavaca, West Tenth, and West Eleventh streets. Architect Abner Cook designed and supervised the construction of the two-story, Greek Revival-style mansion, which was completed in 1856. Governor Pease became the first to occupy the home, spending his first night there on June 10, 1856. Since then, the mansion has served as the official home for every Texas governor. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited house in Texas and the oldest governor's mansion west of the Mississippi River. Nationally, it is recognized as the fourth oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the United States. It was designated a Texas Historical Landmark in 1962 and later named a National Historic Landmark. The mansion occupies a full city block southwest of the Texas Capitol grounds. Over the years, the three-acre grounds have been redesigned by several resident governors. Inside, ten rooms house the exquisite Mansion Collection of fine and decorative arts, which is curated by the Friends of the Governor's Mansion. In the early morning of June 8, 2008, the historic structure faced a major crisis when it was significantly damaged by a four-alarm fire caused by a Molotov cocktail. At the time, the mansion was already undergoing renovations. Following the devastating arson attack, a comprehensive restoration project was launched, which included a master plan developed by TBG Partners. The meticulous restoration was successfully completed in 2012, preserving this historic treasure for future generations.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays to take advantage of the free guided tours.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Texas Capitol grounds, located just a short walk northeast of the mansion.
Take time to appreciate the exterior Greek Revival columns and the historic three-acre grounds from the perimeter.

Nearby context

Situated in downtown Austin, the Texas Governor's Mansion occupies a prominent three-acre city block bounded by Colorado, Lavaca, West Tenth, and West Eleventh streets. This historic home sits just southwest of the sprawling Texas Capitol grounds, making it a seamless and essential stop for anyone exploring the political and historical heart of the state capital.

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