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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    The Governor's Residence

    History of the Governor's Residence

    Learn about the current Governor’s Residence along the Susquehanna River and see how the Pennsylvania executive homes have changed over time.

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    The Residence on a sunny day with a blue sky and wispy clouds

    A historic home

    The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence sits along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. Since 1968, it has been home to eight governors and their families.

    On the first floor, the home houses art exhibits and decorative pieces representing Pennsylvania’s history and culture. Outside, its surrounding gardens blend natural beauty with care for the environment. 

    Architecture and design

    The Residence was designed by architect George Ewing in the Georgian style, reflecting Pennsylvania’s colonial heritage. With its classic proportions, brick construction, tall windows, and formal entrance, the home's style blends tradition and elegance.

    A timeline of Pennsylvania’s executive residences

    The Governor’s Residence has a rich history, dating from the first residence in Harrisburg in 1858. 

    1858: Governor James Pollock (1855–1858) purchased the first official Governor’s Residence on South Second Street in downtown Harrisburg. 

    1864: Governor Andrew Curtin (1861–1867) found the Second Street home too small for Civil War meetings. The state acquired a larger home at 313 North Front Street, known as “Keystone Hall.” 

    1941: Governor Arthur H. James (1939–1943) signed legislation to build a new residence. Land was purchased at Front and Maclay Streets, but construction was delayed by World War II. 

    1943–1967: The State House at Fort Indiantown Gap served as the unofficial residence of the Pennsylvania's governors. With the excetion of Governor George Leader (1955–1959), who never lived there, and Governor David Lawrence (1959–1963), who stayed only briefly, it remained the governor's home until the current official residence was built.

    1968: Governor Raymond Shafer (1967–1971) and his wife moved into the newly completed mansion at 2035 North Front Street. Later that year, officials placed a time capsule in the cornerstone with family photos, newspapers, a letter to future Pennsylvanians, and the 1967–68 Pennsylvania Manual.

    1969: The American and Pennsylvania flags were raised at the new executive mansion in February. The first day of public tours was in June. 

    1972: Governor Milton Shapp (1971–1979) and his family evacuated after Hurricane Agnes flooded the residence with five feet of water. Repairs took nearly two years. 

    2018: The Residence celebrated its 50th anniversary with public events and a reunion of former first families. 

    2025: On April 13, 2025, a Harrisburg man broke into the Governor’s Residence in an attempt to murder Governor Josh Shapiro and firebombed part of the Residence, causing significant damage. Repairs and security upgrades are underway to restore and protect the home for years to come.