The McConnell Mansion was the home of William J. McConnell. After several careers as a gold miner, truck farmer, rancher, teacher and member of the Oregon Legislature, McConnell came to Moscow in 1878 at the age of 40. He opened a general store and later expanded with grain warehouses and other agricultural enterprises. It wasn’t until 1886 that he built his grand house for his family who had stayed behind at Yamhill, Oregon. McConnell was a prominent Idaho Republican, serving as a state senator in 1890 and governor in 1893. He was instrumental in securing the university and county seat at Moscow. His enterprises failed in the national depression of 1893 and he lost his mansion. The building was donated to Latah County in 1966. The house is in the National Register of Historic Places.