Original Governors Mansion

Updated: August 20, 2020

This stately Queen-Anne-style mansion has enjoyed both public and private roles in the history of Montana and its capital city. The history of the Mansion is as much a history of the people who resided here as it is of a building. The Original Montana Governor's Mansion was built in 1888 by Helena entrepreneur William Chessman as a symbol of his wealth and influence throughout the Helena community. The next two owners, the Larsons and the Conrads, continued the pattern of affluent living. In 1913 the state of Montana acquired this handsome brick mansion as the first official governor's residence. Between 1913 and 1959 it was home to nine Montana governors and their families.

Guided tours hourly. Group tours by reservation only. The mansion is property of the Montana Historical Society.

The annual Christmas Home Tour fund raiser is held the first Sunday in December and features the Original Governor's Mansion and other Helena homes decorated for the holidays.

Updated: August 20, 2020