Haunted History: The Morris-Jumel Mansion, Manhattan's Oldest Standing House
- Abby Brenker
- Nov 24, 2022
- 2 min read
I had the honor to visit the oldest standing home in Manhattan for a candlelight ghost tour. The Morris-Jumel mansion was built in 1765 by Roger Morris, in what is now Washington Heights. Though at the time of construction it was located in an entirely rural area. The structure has a rich history, serving as headquarters for both sides during the Revolutionary War. Morris was a Captain in the British Army.
For several weeks in 1776 George Washington used the mansion as his base, after Morris and his family had evacuated the area. After the American Revolution, Morris's house was confiscated by the government because he was a loyalist.
In 1810 the house was purchased by Stephen Jumel, for him and his family. Jumel was a merchant from France, who unfortunately passed away in 1832. Rumors spread that Eliza had something to do with the untimely death of her husband. Following his death, Eliza remarried to Aaron Burr but filed for divorce in 1834. At the time she was the richest woman in New York City. Eliza died in 1865, many believe she struggled with her mental health later in life.
Many believe it’s haunted by Eliza Jumel, guests have reported seeing her come out onto the balcony. There are many strange reports from staff and visitors alike. Even on our tour a guest saw a figure run up the stairs, only to reveal no one in the attic.
At one point, I thought my friend shoved into me to get my attention and looked up to see no one near me. Staff report a lot of paranormal activity in the kitchen area, where the enslaved people would have worked and slept. Other residents over the years include The Morris Family who initially built the home and George Washington.
In 1903 the surrounding land and home were purchased and turned into a museum. Which also makes this a very old museum.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion has such a fascinating mix of history and mystery—it’s incredible to think about all the people and events that have passed through its walls. Reading about the haunted stories made me imagine what daily life might have been like there, especially before modern comforts existed. I can’t help but think how different things would feel with reliable cooling during New York’s hot summers. That’s one of the reasons why I appreciate modern AC installation so much—it transforms historic or even older homes into comfortable spaces without losing their charm. It’s amazing how technology can preserve the past while making life more livable today.
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It's incredible how such an old building has so many stories to tell. I can imagine how a place like this, with its rich past, could use some modern comfort while maintaining its historical charm. This website offers amazing solutions for controlling the indoor climate, ensuring that you can enjoy the history of such a place without compromising on comfort. A smart ac controller would be a perfect addition to such a space, offering ease and comfort while preserving the authenticity of the surroundings. It's all about blending the old with the new!
This article about the Morris Jumel Mansion's haunted history is fascinating! As someone who has gone through selling an old house, I can appreciate how much history a home can carry. It’s incredible to think about the stories that old houses like this one could tell if walls could talk.