Daily Breeze: Banning House offers a peek into the lifestyle of Wilmington’s top resident

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The Banning Mansion: A Historical Landmark Transformed

The Banning mansion, a stunning Wilmington landmark, has a rich history that dates back to its construction in 1864 by family patriarch Phineas Banning. The mansion, originally built to replace a smaller structure on Canal Street, quickly became a symbol of wealth and prestige in the rapidly growing Los Angeles area.

Phineas Banning, a visionary entrepreneur, recognized the importance of transportation in the region’s expansion and established stagecoach lines, shipping operations, and the Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad. His success made him a wealthy man, prompting the need for a larger residence to accommodate his family and host social and political events.

The Greek Revival-style mansion, with its 30 rooms and rooftop cupola, became a focal point in Wilmington. After Phineas Banning’s death in 1885, his sons William, Joseph, and Hancock made significant improvements to the property, including enlarging the house and adding amenities like a kitchen, ballroom, and sunken garden.

The mansion’s fate took a turn in 1925 when Hancock Banning’s wife, Anne, sold the property to the City of Los Angeles to cover estate taxes. This led to a pivotal moment in the mansion’s history, as the citizens of Wilmington voted to develop the property into a public park in 1927.

Despite the community’s overwhelming support for the park, the mansion itself required refurbishment and furnishing. The city’s plans to establish the site as a historical museum faced delays due to economic challenges during the Great Depression and the outbreak of World War II.

During the war, the U.S. Army utilized the mansion as HQ for “Camp Banning,” housing anti-aircraft units and a WAC unit on the grounds. The mansion’s furniture was stored for safekeeping, and the park provided temporary housing for veterans and their families after the war.

It wasn’t until 1952 that the restored mansion opened its doors to the public, becoming a historical museum and park that continues to be a cherished landmark in the area. The City of Los Angeles designated it as a Historic-Cultural Monument in 1963, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

Today, the Banning Museum and park stand as a testament to the legacy of the Banning family and the rich history of Southern California. The annual Wisteria Regale festival, honoring the famous wisteria vine planted by the family’s Chinese cook, continues to draw visitors to the site.

The transformation of the Banning mansion from a private residence to a public landmark is a story of preservation, community support, and historical significance. As visitors explore the mansion’s halls and grounds, they are transported back in time to an era of wealth, innovation, and family legacy that continues to resonate today.