Spring Break
Arson suspected in devastating fire at Texas Governor's Mansion
June 9, 2008
Emily Ramshaw and Christy Hoppe - The Dallas Morning NewsIssue date: 6/5/08 Section: Real News
AUSTIN _ Federal investigators will scour the charred remains of the Texas Governor's Mansion on Monday for more clues after an apparent arsonist nearly demolished the 152-year-old home for heads of state from Sam Houston to George W. Bush.
There's no indication that the catastrophic blaze _ which ravaged the elegant white mansion, cratered its roof and covered its signature columns with thick soot early Sunday _ was intended to target Gov. Rick Perry or first lady Anita Perry.
The mansion was undergoing extensive renovations, including installation of a fire sprinkler system. The Perrys were living elsewhere, and the mansion's valuable art and antiques were in storage.
State authorities say they found clear evidence that the fire was set, raising questions about the alertness of the mansion's round-the-clock security detail.
So far, there have been no arrests, and the state fire marshal is asking the public for help identifying potential suspects.
While a national response unit from the U.S. Department of Justice hits the ground today, heartbroken state preservationists are gathering their own forces, fearful the Greek Revival home will be further damaged in the criminal investigation.
"This is something we couldn't possibly afford to lose," said Larry Oaks, executive director of the Texas Historical Commission. "It is badly damaged, and we've lost a lot of original fabric. But unless there's something I really can't see, I would be very surprised if it's not restorable."
The governor and Mrs. Perry, who have lived in an Austin-area rental home since the mansion's renovations began, are traveling in Europe, and return Tuesday to Texas.
The Governor's Mansion "has not only been our home for the past eight years, but has stood as a symbol of Texas pride throughout its history," they said in a statement. "We hope that this remarkable building, which has served as the home for our family and other Texas governors for the last 150 years, can be saved and restored."
There's no indication that the catastrophic blaze _ which ravaged the elegant white mansion, cratered its roof and covered its signature columns with thick soot early Sunday _ was intended to target Gov. Rick Perry or first lady Anita Perry.
The mansion was undergoing extensive renovations, including installation of a fire sprinkler system. The Perrys were living elsewhere, and the mansion's valuable art and antiques were in storage.
State authorities say they found clear evidence that the fire was set, raising questions about the alertness of the mansion's round-the-clock security detail.
So far, there have been no arrests, and the state fire marshal is asking the public for help identifying potential suspects.
While a national response unit from the U.S. Department of Justice hits the ground today, heartbroken state preservationists are gathering their own forces, fearful the Greek Revival home will be further damaged in the criminal investigation.
"This is something we couldn't possibly afford to lose," said Larry Oaks, executive director of the Texas Historical Commission. "It is badly damaged, and we've lost a lot of original fabric. But unless there's something I really can't see, I would be very surprised if it's not restorable."
The governor and Mrs. Perry, who have lived in an Austin-area rental home since the mansion's renovations began, are traveling in Europe, and return Tuesday to Texas.
The Governor's Mansion "has not only been our home for the past eight years, but has stood as a symbol of Texas pride throughout its history," they said in a statement. "We hope that this remarkable building, which has served as the home for our family and other Texas governors for the last 150 years, can be saved and restored."
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