Entry No. 9 — the New York City file — filed under: haunted
Morris-Jumel Mansion
Built in 1765, this is the oldest surviving house in Manhattan, used by George Washington as a Revolutionary War headquarters. Socialite Eliza Jumel, who later married former vice president Aaron Burr, reportedly negotiated $2,000 off the asking price in 1810 by citing rumors it was haunted. Visitors describe a chatty apparition in 18th-century period dress, phantom footsteps, and objects moving on their own; the museum runs regular public paranormal investigations led by a resident ghost hunter.
The story
High above the Manhattan grid on a hilltop in Washington Heights sits a 1765 Georgian estate that has outlived every war, high-rise, and modern developer trying to swallow Upper Manhattan. Built originally as a summer retreat for British colonel Roger Morris, the mansion briefly served as George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters in 1776. But the house’s most notorious chapter began when self-made socialite Eliza Jumel bought the property in 1810.
Eliza—who eventually became one of America's wealthiest women and briefly married former Vice President Aaron Burr—was as shrewd as they came. Local legend holds that she shaved $2,000 off the house’s asking price by actively weaponizing rumors that the estate was haunted. Whether she created the rumors or just capitalized on them, the tactic worked, cementing her reign over 65 Jumel Terrace.
Decades after her death, the spirits seemingly refused to clear out. Staff and visitors consistently report phantom footsteps on the stairs, heavy objects shifting on period tables, and a chatty apparition in 18th-century dress wandering the upper bedrooms. Rather than downplaying its eerie heritage, the mansion embraces it, hosting formal evening paranormal investigations where you can join a resident ghost hunter to test the electromagnetic fields yourself.
What it's like
Stepping onto Jumel Terrace feels like slipping into an alternate century where cobblestones and wood-paneled quiet replace northern Manhattan's street noise. You can tour the historic period rooms during daytime museum hours, but the real intrigue happens during ticketed evening ghost hunts. Book well in advance—these after-dark investigations sell out fast, and you'll want to check the museum's online calendar before making the trip up to 160th Street.
The move: Join a two-hour evening paranormal investigation and try to coax Eliza out of the period bedrooms with the resident ghost hunter.
📍 Before you go Regular daytime museum hours plus periodic ticketed paranormal investigations (usually evenings, limited capacity); check the museum calendar before going.
- 📍 Washington Heights, Manhattan
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 65 Jumel Terrace, New York, NY 10032
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- The Sisyphus Stones — After probing the mansion's dark hallways, walk less than a mile down toward the Hudson River to check out Uliks Gryka's hand-stacked Manhattan schist sculptures.
- Original Products Botanica — Cross into the Bronx to visit NYC's largest botanica, doubling down on the spiritual vibe with rows of candles, herbs, and ritual supplies.
- Derfner Judaica Museum — Head north along the river to this quiet, unexpectedly peaceful museum tucked inside a Riverdale senior residence for a sharp contrast in historical storytelling.
Good to know
What is the history behind the Morris-Jumel Mansion?
Built in 1765 for British military officer Roger Morris, it is the oldest surviving house in Manhattan. George Washington used it as his headquarters in 1776, and socialite Eliza Jumel purchased it in 1810.
Is the mansion actually haunted?
It has a long reputation for paranormal activity, including reports of phantom footsteps, objects moving on their own, and sightings of an apparition believed to be Eliza Jumel in period dress.
How can I attend a paranormal investigation?
The museum periodically hosts two-hour ticketed evening investigations led by a resident ghost hunter. Capacity is limited, so reserve tickets online via their official calendar ahead of time.
Where is the mansion located?
It sits inside Roger Morris Park at 65 Jumel Terrace in Washington Heights, Manhattan.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Wikipedia · Official site · cbsnews.com · gothamist.com
last checked: 2026-06-23