Carnahan Memorial Garden
- Phone: (573) 751-3249
- Website
The garden behind the Governor’s Mansion started in the late 1930’s as a
WPA (Works Progress Administration) project. The WPA was created in 1938 by Franklin D. Roosevelt to employ the thousands of craftsmen and the laborers out of work during the great Depression. However, the project languished for the lack of funds and eventually sat idle. During the first term of Governor Phil Donnelly, Missouri’s first Lady, Mrs. Juanita ‘Flower’ Donnelly, was saddened by the abandoned project. She personally took it upon herself to restore the gardens. Through her efforts and supervision, the garden came to life with a goldfish pool, terraces and walkways and a sunken garden. It has been noted that it was common to see the Governor’s wife working on her hands and knees alongside inmates from the Missouri State Penitentiary. The Governor’s Garden was renamed in 2001 as the Carnahan Memorial Garden after the death of Governor Mel Carnahan. A beautiful site for relaxing and enjoying the beauty and smell of blooming flowers. Many use the Garden as a location for weddings. To reserve the Carnahan Memorial Garden, please call (573) 751-3249.
