Hiram W. Johnson House

Leading early 20th century progressive politician and Hiram W. Johnson (1866-1945) lived in this historic house from 1929 until his death in 1945. He served as the governor of California from 1911-1917 and as U.S. Senator from the state from 1917-1945. In 1912, he was Theodore Roosevelt's running mate in the 1912 presidential election campaign representing the Progressive Party, which was established that year. As Senator, Johnson was a prominent isolationist and opposed U.S. participation in Treaty of Versaille and entry into the League of Nations and the United Nations. In the late 1930s, he opposed President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies (he supported them initially) and Roosevelt's attempt to pack the U.S. Supreme Court with liberal justices. The house, which is believed to have been built before the War of 1812, was occupied for many years by the Stewart R. Mott Foundation until June 2022.

Hiram Johnson was born in Sacramento, California on September 2, 1866. He attended public schools growing up and as a young man enrolled in the University of California at Berkeley. He dropped out when he was a junior to get married and soon began studying law under his father, who was a lawyer and prominent figure in the state's Republican party. Johnson entered the bar in 1888 and practiced with his brother and father. He became involved in politics himself and unsuccessfully ran for sheriff of Sacramento County in 1892. Two years later, he and his brother managed their father's successful congressional campaign (they refused to support him again for reelection since he was tied to the Southern Pacific Railroad).

Johnson settled in San Francisco in 1902 where he emerged as one of the city's leading attorneys and proponents of reform. His stature continued to rise, especially after serving as the prosecutor in local graft trials. He ran for governor in 1910 as a Republican and won, basing his campaign on ending the influence of the Southern Pacific Railroad in state politics. During his tenure as governor, he supported a number of progressive reforms including simplifying the voting process; implementing political measures including initiative, recalls, and referendums; women's suffrage; nonpartisan elections in city's and counties; a child labor law; a workmen's compensation law; and strengthening the state's railroad commission.

As a result of these policies, Johnson became known nationally as a leading progressive. He helped establish the National Progressive Republican League in 1911 and, as stated above, ran for vice president in 1912 with Theodore Roosevelt. Even though they lost, Johnson continued to lead the Progressive Party and won reelection as governor in 1914. However, within two years it was clear that the party was no longer viable and Johnson rejoined the Republican Party.

As U.S. Senator, Johnson served on a number of committees including Committee on Cuban Relations, Committee on Patents, and the Committee on Immigration. He also continued to voice his support for isolationism and was highly critical of President Woodrow Wilson. Johnson tried to run for president in 1920 but didn't get support from conservatives in the party. He tried again in 1924 but quit after winning only South Dakota in the primaries. When Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was a Democrat, ran for president, Johnson supported him and his New Deal programs in the early 1930s. This changed by the late 1930s, however, as Johnson became disgusted by Roosevelt's attempt to pack the Supreme Court. Despite World War II, Johnson still opposed U.S. participation in a global peace organization. He was one of three Senators to vote against the U.S. joining the United Nations. He died on August 6, 1945, the same day the U.S. dropped the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.

Johnson's wife moved back to California and the house was acquired by the General Commission on Chaplains and Armed Forces Personnel. Philanthropist Stewart Mott bought it in 1974. In addition to his organization, Mott rented space to other organizations including the Center for National Security and the Center for Disease Information. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and designated a National Historic Landmark and 1976.

Adams, George R. & Christian, Ralph. "Hiram W. Johnson House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. July 20, 1973. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/565bcc8b-5dcc-4405-a467-892492f473dd.

"Finding Aid to the Hiram Johnson papers, 1895-1945." Online Archive of California. Accessed November 15, 2022. https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8t1nb3kr/entire_text.

"Johnson, Hiram Warren." Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed November 15, 2022. https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/J000140.