During the early days of Wyoming’s statehood, Cheyenne’s affluent cattle barons built a series of mansions as a testament to their wealth and success; houses that might be referred to as “trophy homes,” today. In 1904, 14 years after achieving statehood in 1890, Wyoming built its first governor’s mansion, a modest house compared to the pretentious dwellings built in other parts of downtown Cheyenne. The Governor’s mansion was anything but extravagant, and is located just five blocks from the State Capitol in what was, at the time, a middle class neighborhood.
The Colonial Revival Governor’s “mansion” designed by architect Charles Murdock of Omaha, was never intended to be a show place. Although stately, it was intended to be a comfortable, gracious residence that the people of Wyoming provided their governors and first families.
The two-and-a-half story house with full basement and separate carriage house was completed at a cost of $33,253.29; including the cost of the lot ($3,000), landscaping ($2,036) and all the original furnishings. Modern in most respects, the house was equipped with central plumbing, hot water heat and combination gas and electrical fixtures throughout.
