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The Ivinson Mansion is significant for its association with two of the most prominent citizens in the history of Laramie and because it is the best surviving example in Laramie of Victorian architecture. The Ivinson home and carriage house were designed by W. E. Ware, a Salt Lake City architect. Construction began May 3, 1892 and when the house was completed by the end of that same year at a cost of approximately $40,000, it was probably the finest home in Laramie.

Edward and Jane Ivinson came to Laramie in 1868. Mr. Ivinson worked as a mercantilist in the dry goods business. As a supply contractor, Ivinson planned to supply the camps along the Union Pacific Railroad which was in the process of being built. Very early in his Laramie business career Mr. Ivinson became a banker as well as a dry goods dealer. He also constructed much of the business block which now stands on Second Street between Ivinson and Grand Avenues. Jane Ivinson was instrumental in establishing the first school in Laramie in 1868. In addition to her work in education and Church related functions, Mrs. Ivinson helped to organize the first lodge for women in Laramie, the Rebekahs.

The career of Edward Ivinson spanned a period of sixty years of Laramie’s history; that of his wife spanned forty-seven years. The political, economic and social history of Laramie, almost from its inception, contain the names of the Ivinsons. The Ivinson Mansion stands as a monument of local historic significance in that it reflects the careers of these two prominent citizens.