A Grand Vision Brought to Life
Robert and Matilda McHenry built McHenry Mansion with the help of architect Jeremiah Robinson, who also designed the Stanislaus County Courthouse. Construction began in 1882, with bricks sourced from local kilns. Designed in the High Victorian Italianate style, which was fashionable at the time, the mansion quickly became a landmark in Modesto. By the time it was completed in 1883, its tax assessment valued the property at $12,000.
The Legacy of Robert McHenry
Robert McHenry likely arrived in California before the Gold Rush and pursued multiple business ventures. By 1850, he was listed as a trader in Stockton. Over time, he partnered with L.O. Brewster to run a butcher business in Chinese Camp and later acquired land through purchases and the Homestead Act. In addition to raising cattle, he grew winter wheat, a valuable crop in the region.
McHenry’s financial success led him to the banking industry. In 1878, he became a director of the Modesto Bank, and the following year, he was named its cashier. As his role in banking grew, he purchased five lots at the corner of 15th and I Streets in 1880—the future site of McHenry Mansion. Having a home in Modesto allowed him to oversee the bank's daily operations while still managing his ranch.
McHenry lived in the mansion until his passing in 1890, and Matilda remained there until her death in 1896.
McHenry’s financial success led him to the banking industry. In 1878, he became a director of the Modesto Bank, and the following year, he was named its cashier. As his role in banking grew, he purchased five lots at the corner of 15th and I Streets in 1880—the future site of McHenry Mansion. Having a home in Modesto allowed him to oversee the bank's daily operations while still managing his ranch.
McHenry lived in the mansion until his passing in 1890, and Matilda remained there until her death in 1896.
The Next Generation
After Matilda’s passing, their son, Oramil McHenry, moved into the mansion with his wife, Louise, and their three children—Robert, Albert, and Ora Louise. However, Oramil and Louise divorced in 1901, and she moved to Los Angeles with their daughter.
By 1902, Oramil remarried Myrtie Conneau, and they welcomed a son, Merle, in 1903. Sadly, Oramil passed away from stomach cancer in 1906 at just 44 years old. His widow, Myrtie, later married attorney William Langdon in 1908, and they established a home in Alameda. Despite this, they continued to use McHenry Mansion for business and social gatherings in Modesto.
By 1902, Oramil remarried Myrtie Conneau, and they welcomed a son, Merle, in 1903. Sadly, Oramil passed away from stomach cancer in 1906 at just 44 years old. His widow, Myrtie, later married attorney William Langdon in 1908, and they established a home in Alameda. Despite this, they continued to use McHenry Mansion for business and social gatherings in Modesto.
From Private Home to Public Treasure
In 1919, the Langdons repurposed the mansion into Elmwood Sanitarium, a treatment facility that operated until 1923. Afterward, it was converted into apartments and renamed the Langdon Apartments. In 1930, new owners continued to use the mansion as an apartment complex, maintaining it for several decades.
By 1976, the mansion was at risk of being lost to history. Recognizing its significance, Modesto Mayor Lee Davies called for its preservation. Aileen and Julio Gallo, through the Julio R. Gallo Foundation, stepped in to purchase the property. The Gallos gifted the mansion to the City of Modesto, with the condition that it would be restored and made available for community use.
By 1976, the mansion was at risk of being lost to history. Recognizing its significance, Modesto Mayor Lee Davies called for its preservation. Aileen and Julio Gallo, through the Julio R. Gallo Foundation, stepped in to purchase the property. The Gallos gifted the mansion to the City of Modesto, with the condition that it would be restored and made available for community use.
Restoration and Preservation
The first restoration of McHenry Mansion began in 1977, returning it to its former grandeur. In 1983, the home officially opened to the public, allowing visitors to step inside and experience its history firsthand.
In 2011, disaster struck when a fire caused severe damage to the front of the building. Smoke and water affected the entire structure, requiring extensive repairs. A second restoration was completed in 2013, ensuring that McHenry Mansion remained a historic treasure for generations to come.
In 2011, disaster struck when a fire caused severe damage to the front of the building. Smoke and water affected the entire structure, requiring extensive repairs. A second restoration was completed in 2013, ensuring that McHenry Mansion remained a historic treasure for generations to come.
A Living Piece of Modesto’s History
Today, McHenry Mansion is more than just a historic home—it is a place where the past meets the present. Open for public tours and special events, it continues to serve as a cultural and architectural landmark in Modesto. Through ongoing preservation efforts, this beautiful Victorian estate remains a tribute to the McHenry family’s legacy and a source of pride for the community. For more details about the mansion, don’t hesitate to contact us today.