The century-old
Executive Mansion is one of the finest examples of Victorian Queen
Anne architecture in North Carolina. The steeply pitched roofs,
cupola, richly colored textural surfaces, porches and pavilions,
projecting patterned chimneys and elaborate mass-produced turned
porch woodwork characterize this architectural style. In 1883, noted
architects Samuel Sloan and A.G. Bauer designed the residence with
spacious halls and reception rooms, massive stairway and 16-foot
ceilings, which reflect its official purposes.
The mansion is the fourth official governor's residence. The first,
Tryon Palace, was completed in New Bern in 1770. This palatial brick
Georgian-style residence was designed by English architect John
Hawkes. It housed North Carolina's last two royal governors and early
elected governors. The palace was the seat of government until 1792
when Raleigh was named the new capital city. There, a two-story frame
structure--complete with outbuildings located at the corner of
Fayetteville and Hargett streets--was selected in 1797 as the second
official residence.
The third state residence, the "Governor's Palace," was completed in
1816 by Boston builder James Calder. Located at the foot of
Fayetteville Street, site of Memorial Auditorium, this two-story
brick structure was the official residence of 20 governors from 1816
to 1865. When Raleigh was occupied by Union forces during the Civil
War, the Governor's Palace served as headquarters for General W. T.
Sherman and then for the North Carolina military commandant,
resulting in destruction which left the house unfit for residency.
For years following the war, North Carolina's governors lived in
rented houses or respected hostelries.
In 1883, with aggressive lobbying of Governor Thomas J. Jarvis, the
General Assembly authorized construction of the present Governor's
residence on Burke Square (one of five public squares in downtown
Raleigh, a short distance from the Capitol on Union Square). Colonel
William J. Hicks, warden of the state penitentiary, supervised the
construction using prison labor and native products such as clay,
sandstone and timber. Through eight years of construction, there were
constant struggles to find money and win approval from legislators
and citizens to be able to finish this building. The first occupants,
Governor Daniel G. Fowle and his family, moved into the unfinished
building in January 1891 and resided there until the governor's death
in April of that same year.
Since its initial construction in 1882, few major changes have been
made to the building's exterior. Porches on the north and east sides
have been enclosed to expand kitchen and security facilities.
A Neoclassical makeover was undertaken during the McLean
administration (1925-1929). Many Victorian features were changed or
removed, including painting of woodwork; removal of stained glass,
balustrades, overmantel mirrors and whatnot shelving; and replacement
of columns and pilasters.
During her tenure as first lady (1965-1969), Jeanelle C. Moore began
a campaign for public awareness of the mansion's historic and
cultural significance. Her dedication resulted in the formation of
the Executive Mansion Fine Arts Committee, as statutory committee
which advises and supports the acquisition of gifts, purchases,
maintenance and preservation. In 1970, the mansion was listed in the
National Register of Historic Places. In 1974-75, the mansion
underwent a major renovation which included the plumbing, heating,
air conditioning and electrical systems. These interior and exterior
rehabilitation projects were crucial to the preservation and
continued use of the building.
In 1988, formation of the Executive Mansion Fund Inc., a non-profit
corporation, provided further support for restoration and
preservation. The fund is charged with soliciting grants, donations,
bequests and other contributions and with investing and managing
these funds. Its successful Second Century campaign resulted in the
establishment of a $2 million endowment. The Executive Mansion Fund
Inc. has established a membership organization--the Friends of the
Executive Mansion, a group of concerned individual and corporate
citizens who wish to support the Executive Mansion through their
annual contributions.
