Free Tour Texas Governor's Mansion (Austin)

The guided tour of the Texas Governor's Mansion is FREE but reservations must be made at least one week in advance. In the mid 1850's, the young State of Texas built three important public buildings in Austin: the first State Capitol, the General Land Office Building, and the Governor's Mansion. The former was destroyed by fire in 1881 and replaced by the current capitol in 1888. The latter two, however, still stand. The Governor's Mansion, at the corner of Eleventh and Colorado Streets, has been the official home of every Texas governor since June 1856. Through the many years since, the house has survived as the state and its First Families went through many social and political changes. Now a registered National Historic Landmark, it is the oldest executive residence west of the Mississippi, the fourth oldest in the Nation, and the oldest to survive and function essentially in its original configuration. The Governor's Mansion is a reminder of the dedicated leaders who helped create the great State of Texas. Free guided tours of the Texas Governor's Mansion will be available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Reservations are required for tours and must be made at least one week in advance. Tours are 20 minutes and are subject to availability. Visitors may call 512.305.8524 for tour reservations, or e-mail Mansion.Tours@tspb.state.tx.us.