California Governor's Mansion 2
(Credit: Daderot / Flicker)
The State of California purchased the house from Joseph Steffens, a local businessman and father of the famous journalist and author Lincoln Steffens, in 1903 for $32,500. The Victorian was then already somewhat out of style, but the house was suitably impressive, conveniently located, and comfortable. A small wing was added to the house and the Governor’s Office and the home was furnished, bringing the total cost to $56,000.