Terrace Hill's Residents - Iowa Governors

From 1846-1947, Iowa governors were not provided a residence, with the only exception being Governor William L. Harding (1917-1921). In 1947 the State of Iowa purchased an old colonial-style home (2900 Grand Avenue) to serve as the official Governor’s home. By 1970, the home was no longer sufficient to accommodate the needs of the state to serve as a venue to host visiting dignitaries. Amid talk of building a new Governor’s home, the Hubbell family offered to donate Terrace Hill to the state for the use as an official residence for the Governor and First Family.

Governor Robert D. Ray

From 1846-1947,  Iowa governors were not provided a residence, with the only exception being Governor William L. Harding (1917-1921). In 1947 the State of Iowa purchased an old colonial-style home (2900 Grand Avenue) to serve as the official Governor’s home. By 1970, the home was no longer sufficient to accommodate the needs of the state to serve as a venue to host visiting dignitaries. Amid talk of building a new Governor’s home, the Hubbell family offered to donate Terrace Hill to the state for the use as an official residence for the Governor and First Family.

Governor Terry E. Branstad

The next First Family to live at Terrace Hill was that of Governor Branstad and First Lady Chris Branstad. They raised children Eric, Allison, and Marcus from 1983-1999 while Terrace Hill served as their home.

Governor Thomas J. Vilsack

The family of Governor Vilsack and First Lady Christie Vilsack called Terrace Hill home from 1999-2007. Their two sons, Jess and Doug, were away at college.

Governor Chester John “Chet” Culver

Governor Culver, First Lady Mari Culver and their two children, John and Clare, lived in Terrace Hill from 2007-2011.

Governor Terry E. Branstad

With Governor Branstad's historic re-election in November 2010,Terrace Hill  became the home of Governor Branstad and First Lady Chris Branstad once again in 2011. Governor Branstad and First Lady Chris Branstad resided at Terrace Hill for a combined total of 22 1/2 years. In 2017, Governor Branstad stepped down to become the United States Ambassador to China.

Governor Kimberly K. Reynolds

Governor Kim Reynolds is the 43rd and current governor of Iowa. She is the first female governor to be elected in the state of Iowa. Reynolds previously served as the Lieutenant Governor of Iowa from 2011-2017. Governor Reynolds and First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds moved into Terrace Hill in 2017 and take pride in maintaining the historic home for future generations to enjoy.

Learn More about Governor Kim Reynolds

To learn more about Governor Kim Reynolds, click here.

Learn More about First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds

To learn more about First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds, click here.