Governors Mansion

Builder Abner Hugh Cook, completed the Mansion in 1856, and shortly thereafter the fourth governor of Texas, Elisha Peace, moved his family into the mansion. In the 1870’s a fire almost destroyed the mansion. The Governor’s Mansion became a Texas Historical Landmark in 1962. The home is also part of the National Register of Historical Places. The mansion is the fourth oldest governor’s mansion continuously occupied in the United States. Thirty-seven governors and their families have lived in the mansion.

Ghosts-

Governor Pendleton Murrah’s 19-year-old nephew committed suicide in the small north bedroom of the mansion in 1864 after Mrs. Murrah’s niece refused his marriage proposal. Following a shot heard just after midnight, the horrified family found the young man sprawled across his bed, having shot himself in the head.
After the death, servants refused to enter the room, asserting it was haunted by the boy’s anguished spirit. Soon after the tragedy, Governor Murrah and his family fled the home, fearing repercussions of the end of the Confederacy, leaving the north bedroom without even washing the bloodstains off the walls and ceiling.
In 1870, Governor A.J. Hamilton became the governor of Texas and moved into the mansion. He had his servants clean the gore from the room. The mournful ghost remained, as evidence by the opened doors, disembodied footsteps, and mysterious cold spots plaguing the mansions occupants. It is said that the muffled sobbing of the heartbroken boy can still be heard today, especially on quiet Sunday afternoons.
In addition, the Houston Bedroom in the mansion, is said to be haunted by none other than Sam Houston, the third governor of Texas. Houston was forced out of office for his refusal to support the Confederacy.

Udate:

On June 8th 2008, the Governors Mansion was set fire by arson. The perpetrator has not been caught. Restorations are being made. On July 15, 2008, First Lady Anita Perry announced the Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund to raise private donations to help restore the Mansion. TO DONATE TO THE RESTORATION FUND, go to www.texasonline.com, or send a check or money order to: Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 12878, Austin, TX 78711-2878. Information toll free 866-751-5829.