The Historic House Where Washington Watched New York Burn on September 21, 1776

The Morris-Jumel Mansion

Manhattan’s oldest house has war stories written into its walls. Colonel Roger Morris built this Georgian beauty in 1765 as a country retreat for his family, but the Revolutionary War turned it into a prize worth fighting for. Washington used it as headquarters, then enemy forces took it back.

Here’s the rollercoaster story behind this National Historic Landmark you can visit today.

Roger Morris and Mary Philipse

Roger Morris came to America in 1756 to fight in the French and Indian War. He served with George Washington under British General Braddock, years before they became enemies.

Mary Philipse came from one of New York’s richest families. Her Dutch family owned huge amounts of land along the Hudson River.

When her father died in 1751, she inherited part of his estate. Washington once tried to court Mary during his visits to New York. She chose Morris instead, marrying him in 1758.

Creating An Elegant Country Estate

Morris bought 100 acres in northern Manhattan in 1765., and the land ran from today’s 159th to 174th Streets with views of the Hudson River and Long Island Sound.

The house featured new design ideas rarely seen in America. Morris built a grand front porch with columns and an unusual eight-sided drawing room.

They named their new home “Mount Morris” for both the owner and its hilltop setting, and the family also kept their main house downtown for business and social events.

The Morris Family Flees As War Begins

Roger Morris left for England in 1775 when fighting broke out between colonists and British troops. As a British officer loyal to King George III, he faced growing anger from American patriots.

Mary stayed at Mount Morris with their four children until early 1776. As tensions grew, she moved to her family estate in Yonkers, taking their valuables and servants with her.

In 1779, New York seized property from 58 loyalists, including the Morris estate. Mary became one of only three women officially labeled traitors during the Revolution.

Washington Establishes His Headquarters

Washington moved into the empty Morris house on September 14, 1776. His army had just lost battles in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan and needed to retreat north.

The hilltop location let Washington watch British troop movements across the city and surrounding waters. This made it perfect for planning his next moves.

He brought his military secretary and several aides with him. The large rooms gave them space for strategy meetings during this crucial time in the war.

Planning The Battle of Harlem Heights

Washington gathered his officers at the mansion to plan what became the Battle of Harlem Heights. On September 16, he learned British troops were moving north toward his position.

He sent Lieutenant Colonel Knowlton with 150 rangers to scout enemy locations. The battle took place just south of the house where Columbia University stands today.

From the mansion’s windows, Washington directed the battle. The high ground allowed him to see the fighting and send reinforcements where needed.

A Rare American Victory In New York

The Battle of Harlem Heights marked the first time British forces retreated from American troops. When Knowlton’s rangers engaged British soldiers, Washington sent Virginia troops to help.

British soldiers blew fox-hunting horns to mock the Americans, which only made Washington’s men fight harder. They pushed the British back in a surprising turn of events.

This victory boosted spirits after recent defeats. Though small compared to later battles, it proved Americans could stand against British professional soldiers when well-commanded.

Washington’s Month-Long Stay

Washington lived at the Morris mansion for over a month, from September 14 to October 21, 1776. He wrote many letters and orders from a second-floor room he used as his office.

On September 21, he watched from the balcony as a great fire burned through lower Manhattan. The fire destroyed nearly a quarter of the city.

Military leaders met daily in the house to plan defenses. Washington stayed until mid-October when British ships landed troops in Westchester County, threatening to trap his army on Manhattan.

British Forces Take Control

Washington left the mansion around October 21, moving his army north to White Plains. He left Colonel Magaw to guard the house and nearby Fort Washington.

British and Hessian commanders moved in after Washington left. This made the house one of few buildings used by military leaders from both sides.

On November 16, American forces tried and failed to retake the mansion. The “Black Watch” Highland Regiment secured it for British use.

British generals used the house throughout their occupation of New York until 1783.

Life After The War

The new American government sold the Morris property after the war ended in 1783. The money helped pay war debts. The mansion became a tavern called Calumet Hall.

Coaches traveling north from New York City made it their first stop. In 1790, President Washington returned for a dinner with his cabinet members.

Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John and Abigail Adams, and Martha Washington joined him. Washington noted the house was now run by “a common farmer.”

From Jumel Estate To Public Museum

Stephen and Eliza Jumel bought the property in 1810. This wealthy French wine merchant paid $10,000 for the mansion and started renovations right away.

They updated the house in the Federal style. They added a new front entrance and brought furniture from France.

After Stephen died in 1832, Eliza married former Vice President Aaron Burr in the front parlor. Their marriage lasted only months.

New York City bought the mansion in 1903. With help from the Daughters of the American Revolution, it opened as a museum in 1904.

Visiting Morris-Jumel Mansion

You’ll find Manhattan’s oldest house at 65 Jumel Terrace in Washington Heights, between West 160th and 162nd Streets. The museum opens Thursday through Sunday.

Admission fee applies for guided tours and for self-guided visits. For the best experience, join a guided tour to see Washington’s headquarters room and the octagonal drawing room.

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