Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is a four-story residence in the Second Empire style in Sacramento, now serving as a state reception center. The building shows mansard roofs, richly decorated facades, and interior finishes from the mid-19th century.

Merchant Shelton Fogus had the house built in 1856 before Leland Stanford purchased it in 1861 upon taking office as governor. Stanford and his wife expanded the building considerably and later moved their residence to Palo Alto.

The family's private rooms are furnished with original pieces dating from the 1870s onward, showing how a wealthy California household lived day to day. Visitors see textiles, china, and personal items that Stanford and his wife Jane actually used.

Tours through the rooms take place daily except when official receptions or government meetings are held in the building. Visitors should check in advance whether the site is open, as state events may restrict access on short notice.

During restoration, craftsmen had to relearn forgotten techniques such as gilding with gold leaf and painting silk walls. Researchers uncovered the original decorations beneath multiple paint layers and restored them using historical photographs.