North Carolina Executive Mansion

The North Carolina Executive Mansion is a residence built in the Queen Anne style, featuring steep gabled roofs, brick walls, and ornate interior woodwork throughout. The three-story structure contains numerous rooms, from private quarters to large reception halls designed for state functions.

Construction began in 1883 under architects Samuel Sloan and A.G. Bauer, establishing it as a central location for state governance from the late 1800s onward. The building marked an important phase in Raleigh's development as the state capital.

The building serves as a backdrop for state ceremonies and official gatherings where the public occasionally observes formal rooms during special occasions. Its interior collections of artwork and furnishings reflect the lives of governors and their families across generations.

Visitors can tour the interior on select days when guided visits are offered and government functions do not restrict access. It helps to check the specific open days in advance, as the building is regularly used for official state events.

The mansion's bricks were made by prisoners from local clay, with many workers carving personal marks into the stones before firing. Those scratched names and initials remain visible on the exterior today, creating an unexpected human record within the building itself.

Location: North Carolina

Location: Raleigh

Architectural style: Queen Anne style architecture in the United States

Website: https://dncr.nc.gov/visit/history/triangletriad/north-carolina-executive-mansion

GPS coordinates: 35.78306,-78.63528

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:27