Take a look inside Morris-Jumel Mansion, a picturesque 18th-century estate in New York City once home to Aaron Burr

Talia LakritzMay 29, 2024, 01:39 IST

The historic Morris-Jumel Mansion in New York City.SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

Built in 1765, Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest surviving residence in Manhattan.
George Washington spent time there during the Revolutionary War, and Aaron Burr married its owner.

Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest surviving residence in Manhattan.

The historic home was built in 1765 by Colonel Roger Morris, a Loyalist who returned to England when the Revolutionary War broke out.

During the war, George Washington used the site as his military headquarters during the Battle of Harlem Heights. It was then purchased by Stephen Jumel, a wealthy French merchant, in 1810.

After Jumel died in 1835, his widow Eliza married former vice president Aaron Burr, though the couple divorced a few months later.

Today, the mansion is located in what is now New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood in upper Manhattan. I toured the historic home in 2022 to learn more about its fascinating history.

Morris-Jumel Mansion is located just off 162nd Street in Manhattan.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion.sangaku/Getty Images

It is part of the neighborhood's Jumel Terrace Historic District, which also features historic homes on Sylvan Terrace across the street from the mansion.

Historic homes on Sylvan Terrace in Manhattan.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Walking into the Morris-Jumel Mansion felt like stepping back in time.

The entrance to the Morris-Jumel Mansion.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

On the first floor, a French parlor off the entryway served as a greeting room for guests.

The French parlor.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Eliza Jumel bought most of the Empire-style furniture in France.

The parlor.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Further into the first-floor hall, a floor-to-ceiling portrait depicted Eliza Jumel and her grandchildren.

A portrait of Eliza Jumel and her grandchildren.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The dining room featured a replica of the original patterned wallpaper that the Jumels sourced from France in 1825.

The dining room.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

One of the most stunning parts of the house was the Octagon Room on the first floor.

The Octagon Room.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The 1833 painting of Eliza Jumel in the Octagon Room shows her seated on the same ornate sofa that remains displayed in the room today.

A portrait of Eliza Jumel at the Morris-Jumel Mansion.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Even the staircase leading down to the kitchen featured an artifact of historical significance.

Stairs to the basement.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The basement kitchen contained the original fireplace, hearth, and oven from the 18th century.

The kitchen.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The lobby on the second floor had cannonballs from the Revolutionary War on display.

Revolutionary War cannonballs on display at the Morris-Jumel Mansion.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Upstairs, what the Morris family used as a parlor became George Washington's war room in 1776.

George Washington's former military headquarters.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Lin-Manuel Miranda spent time writing his hit musical "Hamilton" in Aaron Burr's former bedchamber.

Aaron Burr's bedchamber.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Eliza's bedchamber was decorated with more Empire-style French furniture.

Another bedroom.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

After concluding my tour of the mansion, I explored the surrounding grounds.

The grounds of the Morris-Jumel Mansion.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I couldn't believe that such an expansive, historic mansion was located just steps from the subway's 163rd Street stop in New York City.

Present-day New York City, steps from the Morris-Jumel Mansion.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I stayed at a luxurious overwater bungalow in the Maldives and a budget option. I had a great time for less than $100 a night.

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