Our Mission The mission of the California Department of Leland Stanford Parks and Recreation is to provide for the “ health, inspiration and education of the M r. and Mrs. Leland people of California by helping to preserve Mansion the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, Stanford present protecting its most valued natural and State Historic Park compliments and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. request the pleasure of your company at their residence.”

—Invitation to the California State Parks does not discriminate Stanford party of against individuals with disabilities. Prior to February 6, 1872 arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at the phone number below. To receive this publication in an alternate format, write to the Communications Office at the following address.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P. O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.govv www.lelandstanfordmansion.orgv

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park 800 N Street Sacramento, California 95814 (916) 324-0575

© 2005 California State Parks Printed on Recycled Paper he Leland Stanford Mansion, STANFORD-LATHROP FAMILIES BUSINESS AND POLITICS T a National Historic Landmark, Born in 1824 near Albany, New York, Leland Stanford’s help in organizing the state’s new upholds a long-honored tradition of Stanford was the fifth of eight children. Republican Party assured California’s loyalty service to the people of California. As Although he showed an early talent to the Union. His early gubernatorial the State’s official reception center and for business, his parents guided campaigns had met with mixed a public museum, this California state his education toward a law success; nominated to run in 1859, park welcomes leaders from around the career. he was defeated. In 1860 he world. While apprenticed to a worked on Abraham Lincoln’s In the turbulent 1860s—the Civil War law firm, Stanford met presidential campaign, and when and its aftermath—this elegant Jane Eliza Lathrop, the Lincoln was elected, Stanford brick building was headquarters oldest daughter of the served briefly as one of his to three governors: Leland Dyer Lathrop family, and advisors. Stanford (1862-1863), Frederick subsequently became a In June 1861 Stanford’s reputa- F. Low (1863-1867), and Henry regular visitor to their tion for common sense and sound H. Haight (1867-1871). home. judgement brought him the Repub- Prominent Sacramento Stanford set up a law lican Party’s nomination for Gover- merchant Shelton C. Fogus practice in Wisconsin, and two nor. Prior to that election he had built the home during 1856- years later he and Jane were been named president of the newly 1857, then leased it for a married. The couple soon Portrait of Leland, Jane, and incorporated Central Pacific Railroad short time to gold rush decided to move to California, Leland Stanford, Jr., 1880 of California. Leland Stanford was now banker and entrepreneur Photo courtesy of Stanford but in June 1852 Leland had to University Archives one of “The Associates” (later known Darius Ogden (D. O.) Mills. leave Jane in New York to care as the “Big Four”), with Collis Hun- In June 1861 Leland for her ailing father. In July he arrived alone in tington, Charles Crocker and Mark Hopkins. Stanford, the new Republi- San Francisco. Following a visit to his broth- Stanford’s undeniable popularity won him can candidate for governor, ers—successful Sacramento merchants— the election on September 4, 1861. bought Fogus’ furnished Leland went into business with a long-time Although suddenly thrust into the role of home—soon known as friend, Captain Nicholas T. Smith. California’s First Lady in the middle of the the Gubernatorial During a three-year separation, the Stanfords Civil War, Jane Stanford was more than ready. Mansion—for wrote to each other regularly. In June 1855, When it came to social affairs, she $8000. having received news of Jane’s father’s death, determined various rules of etiquette and Stanford returned to Albany to bring her home. presided over formal receptions, dinners and By autumn they were living in a modest house celebrations. along Sacramento’s bustling waterfront, and Stanford dealt with the critical issues Stanford was the sole owner of the Stanford inherent in wartime. In an era when such Brothers Store. actions were not incompatible with the office Restored elements of the mansion include carpets, Renaissance Revival furniture, gilded columns, gas globe lights and original toys.

Photo of original toy courtesy of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford University, Stanford Family Collections of governor, Stanford promoted legislation that the chartering of the University of California. his parents’ lives. In 1884, while visiting backed the Central Pacific Railroad. He cut the To this day actions taken by these three Europe, the boy contracted typhoid fever. state’s debt in half, and enacted laws dealing capable governors in the Stanford Mansion Despite the best care by Catholic nuns, he with the security of San Francisco’s harbor. In affect the lives of Californians. The challenges died in Florence, Italy, on March 13, 1884, not 1863 he declined to run for office again. they faced and the decisions they made prove quite 16 years of age. Because four-year terms had only recently that governing California was serious business Following the death of their son, the become law, Stanford was the last California in the nineteenth century. Stanfords decided that if they could not governor to serve a two-year term. educate him they would build an educational THE STANFORD MANSION institution in his name. They endowed the Over the years Mr. Fogus’ original 4,000-square GOVERNORS LOW AND HAIGHT Leland Stanford, Jr. University, and on Novem- foot home eventually came to encompass In 1863 unassuming, pro-Union Frederick F. ber 14, 1885, the new board of trustees ac- 19,000 square feet. In 1862 Stanford added Low, his wife Mollie and their five-year-old cepted ownership of several properties that a governor’s office to the home. In the fall daughter Flora became the mansion’s new would become Stanford University. tenants. During his term Low defended of 1871, they began a major expansion of the Chinese immigration when it was an unpopular two-story building. Much of the work stance. He also signed an act accepting the involved raising it and adding a story Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Trees below and a mansard-roofed story Grove from the federal government—the first above. On February 6, 1872, the time a government had set aside lands for Stanfords celebrated the reopening of public enjoyment. the house by inviting 700 guests to a In December 1867 Stanford rented the party described by newspapers as executive office to Democratic Governor-elect “brilliantly dazzling.” Henry H. Haight. Haight did not reside in the A SON’S LEGACY house, but used the office until he could move On May 14, 1868, Jane Stanford gave birth into the nearly completed State Capitol to their only child, Leland Stanford, Jr. An building. During his term he supported the energetic, intelligent and thoroughly establishment of an eight-hour workday and adored child, Leland Jr. was the light of The Stanford-Lathrop Memorial Home for Friendless Children, c. 1925 Photo courtesy of Stanford University Archives (color enhanced) appearance during the Stanford family’s and assistive listening systems are available. residence. Historic photographs and Visitor center videos offer Spanish or English archaeological and historical analyses have captions, and alternative format materials guided the restoration of the mansion’s rich include a tactile model. details, from crystal chandeliers and gleaming wood paneling, to delicately painted brackets, ❧ gilded mirrors and elaborate draperies. This park receives support from the Leland Today the Stanford Mansion is again Stanford Mansion Foundation, a nonprofit, ready to receive guests and to provide public benefit corporation. Interested donors opportunities for visitors to learn about the may inquire about supporting the mansion by home’s fascinating past and exciting future. calling the Foundation at (916) 442-4419. Stanford Mansion, 1872 ACCESSIBLE FEATURES In June 1893 Stanford, now a United States Elevator access is available. Interior openings Senator, died. It was fully expected that to the 2nd and 3rd floors from elevators are government claims on his estate would keep about 29.5 inches wide. A travel wheelchair his widow from achieving their vision. How- N STREET ever, the widow and the university found ways Stanford Mansion California State to economize, and the danger passed. SHP Capitol Museum The Stanfords had always been generous, especially in children’s causes. In 1900 Jane Stanford gave her residence and furnishings to the Catholic Bishop of Sacramento to be used as an orphanage. The Sisters of Mercy, and later the Sisters of Social Service, carefully adapted the building to their needs while keeping its essential features intact. In 1957 the house became a State Historical

Landmark, and in 1978 the State of California EAST purchased the property for use as a state park. PLAZA In 1987 the Stanford Home for Children moved 8th STREET to a new facility.

A MANSION TRANSFORMED

In 1991 the Leland Stanford Mansion WEST Foundation was formed as part of a PLAZA VISITOR CCENTERENTER groundbreaking public/private fundraising BRICK MUSEUM partnership to help restore the home to its STABLE STORE