Friday, December 12, the LRHS Chamber Orchestra performed at the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion.
The Governor’s mansion is proudly promoted as “the most beautiful governor’s residential interior in America,” according to President F.D.Roosevelt. The mansion is maintained by security, grounds keepers and tour guides.
“The Mansion is just as beautiful on the outside as it is within,” said Jacob Vaughters, a Leesville junior.
This Governor’s mansion has served as the meeting place for the North Carolina General Assembly since the 1800s. The first official Governor’s mansion was Tryon Palace, built in New Bern in 1770. The estate was built by William Tryon, serving as the official seat for their government. The General Assembly was prompted to find a more central location for the capital when the Revolutionary War posed a threat. The current location wasn’t purchased until 1792.
People can sign up for tours through the mansion and receive free admission if done two weeks in advance. You can, also, tour the mansion free of charge if you schedule a group visit.The grounds may also be viewed for those interested in gardening.
The Leesville Chamber Orchestra members were ushered into the mansion through a private entrance, the back staircase, and settled into the back living room.
“It was relaxing to listen to elegant music while standing in such a beautiful Christmas setting,” said Susan Johnston.
The mansion itself is practically a museum, but when the public tours the grounds and gardens, they see a much bigger picture of how it works. Gardens, on the grounds, grow some of the vegetables which are served to the governor and his guests.
