Leland Stanford Mansion SHP

State Historic Park

Welcome to Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

After a 14-year, $22 million restoration and rehabilitation, the Mansion is now open to the public as a museum. It also serves the citizens of California as the state’s official reception center for leaders from around the world.

The Leland Stanford Mansion is a stunning example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California. On your tour of the 19,000-square-foot Mansion you will see:

• 17-foot ceilings
• Gilded mirrors and exquisitely detailed carved moldings
• Beautifully restored woodwork
• Elegant 19th century crystal and bronze light fixtures
• Historic paintings
• Re-created carpeting and draperies based on photographs from the 1870s to
match the original interior design
• Original period furnishings that belonged to the Stanfords.
• 19th-Century style gardens

The Leland Stanford Mansion grounds are seen with the Resources Building behind.

Originally built in 1856 by Gold Rush merchant Sheldon Fogus, the Mansion was later purchased and remodeled (twice!) by Leland and Jane Stanford. Leland Stanford served as Governor of California from 1862-1863. The Mansion served as the office of three governors during the turbulent 1860’s - Leland Stanford, Fredrick Low and Henry Haight.

As a pro-Union Civil War governor and president of the Central Pacific Railroad, Leland Stanford negotiated political and business deals at the Mansion that helped complete the transcontinental railroad.

Jane Lathrop Stanford gave birth to their only child, Leland, Jr., here on May 14, 1868. The couple’s new wealth enabled them to expand the mansion in 1872, creating the architectural legacy you can see today.

In 1900 Jane Stanford gave the mansion to the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, with an endowment of $75,000 in railroad bonds, for the “nurture, care and maintenance of homeless children.” The Sisters of Mercy, and later the Sisters of Social Service, adapted the aging building to their needs. As decades passed, the old neighborhood gave way to state office buildings, and the cost of upkeep grew. In 1987, the Stanford Home for Children moved to new facilities in north Sacramento.

In 1978 the State of California purchased the property for use as a state park. The imposing structure was listed as a National Historic Landmark in May 1987.

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park


Brochures Panorama Video Photos State Parks Store Current Weather Map of Location Accessible Features Cities near the park: California Coastline Photos: Leland Stanford Mansion: Where the World Meets California Public/ Private Partnership Group and School Tour Reservations Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks	Leland Stanford Mansion SHP State Historic Park Welcome to Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park After a 14-year, $22 million restoration and rehabilitation, the Mansion is now open to the public as a museum. It also serves the citizens of California as the state’s official reception center for leaders from around the world. The Leland Stanford Mansion is a stunning example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California. On your tour of the 19,000-square-foot Mansion you will see: • 17-foot ceilings • Gilded mirrors and exquisitely detailed carved moldings • Beautifully restored woodwork • Elegant 19th century crystal and bronze light fixtures • Historic paintings • Re-created carpeting and draperies based on photographs from the 1870s to match the original interior design • Original period furnishings that belonged to the Stanfords. • 19th-Century style gardens Originally built in 1856 by Gold Rush merchant Sheldon Fogus, the Mansion was later purchased and remodeled (twice!) by Leland and Jane Stanford. Leland Stanford served as Governor of California from 1862-1863. The Mansion served as the office of three governors during the turbulent 1860’s - Leland Stanford, Fredrick Low and Henry Haight. As a pro-Union Civil War governor and president of the Central Pacific Railroad, Leland Stanford negotiated political and business deals at the Mansion that helped complete the transcontinental railroad. Jane Lathrop Stanford gave birth to their only child, Leland, Jr., here on May 14, 1868. The couple’s new wealth enabled them to expand the mansion in 1872, creating the architectural legacy you can see today. In 1900 Jane Stanford gave the mansion to the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, with an endowment of $75,000 in railroad bonds, for the “nurture, care and maintenance of homeless children.” The Sisters of Mercy, and later the Sisters of Social Service, adapted the aging building to their needs. As decades passed, the old neighborhood gave way to state office buildings, and the cost of upkeep grew. In 1987, the Stanford Home for Children moved to new facilities in north Sacramento. In 1978 the State of California purchased the property for use as a state park. The imposing structure was listed as a National Historic Landmark in May 1987.	Park Features Icon Legend Upcoming Events Hours 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday. (last tour begins at 4:00 pm). County Sacramento Region Gold Country Mansion Guided Tours Tours offered from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (last tour begins at 4:00 pm). Tours may be cancelled at certain times due to official activities inside the Mansion. Please call (916) 324-0575 prior to your visit. Leland Stanford Mansion is closed Monday's and on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day. Tour Fees: Adults $5 Youth $3 (ages 6 to 17) Children Free (5 and under) Leland Stanford Mansion SHP is Just a Click Away: Stanford Mansion Website Hart and Muybridge Historic Photograph Exhibit Mansion Event Gallery School and Group Tour Reservations: Call ReserveAmerica Teachers/Educators: Call 1-866-240-4655 (toll free) Commercial Tour Operators: Call 1-866-361-5111 (toll free) Note: Groups are 10 or more. School Groups are free when making reservations through ReserveAmerica. Telephone Stanford Mansion SHP Information (916) 324-0575 Visitor Center: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Free of Charge Phone: (916) 324-9266 Mailing Address Leland Stanford Mansion SHP 800 "N" Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Museum Gift Store at the Mansion Victorian Society in America 2007 Preservation Award Experience California's History: Capital District State Museums & Historic Parks