The circle drive in front of the residence encompasses an “energetic depiction of Wyoming wildlife,” according to Governor Freudenthal. The 13-foot bronze sculpture of three mule deer, created by local Cheyenne artist Guadalupe Barajas, was installed at the residence in October 2008.

Built in 1976, the Wyoming Governor's Residence is constructed of stained redwood siding and moss rock quarried in the Iron Mountain/Horse Creek area northwest of Cheyenne. The grounds were formerly the American Legion Park, which was part of the city of Cheyenne park system. Builders took great care during construction to preserve a large number of the trees in the area. The home was intentionally built with many windows to foster a relationship with the outdoors, which play a truly important role in the state.

When visitors enter the home through the foyer, they are treated to a view of the back patio through facing doors. The foyer features several historical items and a moss rock entry (right) into the great room.

A wool rug found on the foyer floor depicts the Great Seal of the state of Wyoming. The rug dates back to the administration of Governor Milward Simpson (1955-59) and was transported from the Historic Governor’s Mansion in downtown Cheyenne by Governor Ed and First Lady Casey Herschler in 1976.

The hand-carved cedar seal that hangs in the foyer was carved by Nellie Hammond of Douglas, Wyoming, in 1937. She gave it as a birthday gift to Governor Leslie Miller. The wood came from a large tree on a ranch located 23 miles west of Wheatland, Wyoming.

The three-tiered Buffalo Sconces were designed by Peter Fillerup of Wild West Designs and beautifully compliment the chandelier and wall sconces in the dining room, which were also designed by Peter Fillerup. These sconces were installed in the Residence in June 2008.

This unique cherry and juniper entrance table with distressed copper top overlay, carved drawer fronts and stained glass back was created and built by Lester Santos, of Santos Furniture in Cody. Hanging above the Santos table in the foyer are two fossils excavated near Kemmerer, Wyoming. The smaller fossil is Wyoming’s official state fossil, the “Knightia.” Schoolchildren throughout the state petitioned legislators for its designation in 1987.

Visitors to the great room are greeted by vaulted, beamed ceilings and the 18-foot native moss rock fireplace. It often serves as the background for photographs and interviews of the governor and first family.

The state living area provides comfortable and attractive surroundings for guests and visitors. The Philadelphia Chippendale chairs, covered with cowhide, were gifts to the Wyoming Governor’s Residence from two former first families. The Smith family donated three chairs in honor of former First Lady Marie Smith. The Kendrick family contributed one chair in honor of former First Lady Eula Kendrick.

The solid walnut Grandfather clock in the living room was built in 2008 by Green River woodworker Michael Curtis. It is accented by burled walnut overlay at the top and bottom and brass hardware. The glass is etched with the state seal on the right top panel and Devil’s Tower on the left top panel. The clock was donated to the Governor’s Residence Foundation by FMC Corporation and placed in the Residence on January 2, 2009.

This magnificent chandelier adds western ambiance to the state dining room and was designed by artist Peter Fillerup. The elk hide shade is surrounded by 36 bronze Native American, cowboy & cowgirl figures. Peter also made and designed the three-dimensional sconces on the dining room wall. These beautiful pieces were purchased in 1992.

These lovely needlework wildflower chairs are part of the Lasting Legacy Centennial Project, started by First Lady Jane Sullivan in 1986. One or two representatives from each county were chosen to stitch the predominant design of the Indian Paintbrush (Wyoming’s state flower). It took 800 hours to complete one chair. The project was completed in 2006.

The Chief Washakie Bronze masterwork was sculpted by renowned sculptor Dave McGary and acquired by the Residence in 2001. The larger-than-life versions of this bronze can be seen in the State Capitol Building in Cheyenne and also in the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, DC. Chief Washakie was Chief of the Shoshone tribe and was instrumental in aiding in the completion of a coast-to-coast rail line through Wyoming.

In 2008, the original two guest bedrooms were remodeled into one suite to provide overnight guests with a private, comfortable retreat.

The Sitting Room features furniture made by a variety of artists from Cody. The lovely juniper chairs and ottoman were made by Ron and Jean Shanor of WildeWood Furniture. The walnut and hand-tooled leather table was created by cabinetmaker Steve Estes, of Estes Woodworks. The stunning walnut, juniper and spalted maple desk was designed and made by John Gallis of Norseman West Designs. He also made the desk chair and two side chairs.

The countertop in the breakfast bar will soon be fossil, quarried outside of Kemmerer, Wyoming by the Ulrich family. The bronze sink is made by Ann Norman, an artist who regularly comes to the Western Design Conference in Cody and lives in New Mexico. The sink is called the “Lady Lou” and the design is taken from an old leather saddle pattern.

The bathroom also showcases some wonderful Wyoming artists. The mirror is made from the reclaimed floors of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn by Rich Holstein and Governor Dave Freudenthal. When Governor Freudenthal has some extra time in Cody, he and Rich get together at Rich’s shop. This is one of their creations. The countertop will also soon be fossil quarried outside of Kemmerer. The “Blue Flowers” stained glass and tile mosaic on the wall is by Vickie McSchooler, a Cheyenne artist.

In the bedroom, you will view the spectacular juniper and leather bed, designed and constructed by Lester Santos of Cody. The blanket chest in the classic Molesworth tradition is a Marc Taggart creation, also of Cody. Above the blanket chest hangs a splendid original painting of poppies by Diane Harrop of Douglas.

The Children’s Discovery Park, which was a project commemorating the years Governor and Mrs. Geringer called the residence home, covers approximately 1/3 acre at the back of the Governor’s Residence and was developed to combine learning and fun! Visitors will enjoy a wishing well embedded with native Wyoming rocks of all varieties, a secluded rock fire-ring behind the homestead cabin playhouse, many wildflowers and plants, and several bronze sculptures, including Wyoming “critters” that were created by students from Wyoming high schools. PHOTO COMING SOON.

This petrified tree was discovered in an overburden atop the Fort Union Foundation in Campbell County’s Eagle Butte Mine. It weighs an estimated 8,500 pounds and was donated to the state of Wyoming by Larry F. Suchor of Larry’s Mining Inc., based in Gillette, Wyoming.

Restoring sheep wagons is one of Governor Dave’s favorite pastimes. On the grounds, visitors will see two sheep wagons.

A marble sundial, a bicentennial project of First Lady Casey Herschler and the Wyoming Daughters of the American Revolution, and two matching benches adorn the southwest lawn. Members of the Geodetic Survey Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base placed it in position. The Daughters of the American Revolution also presented the two matching benches.