Morris-Jumel Mansion in New York City. Last place you’d expect to find such a haunted house to visit. But this is one of the most active around.
Article By Jane Sandwood
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STORIED PAST | GHOSTS | SEE IT
New York City is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
In fact, mayor Eric Adams revealed that almost 65 million visitors came to the City in 2024, and tourism is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2025.
While stand-out attractions include the famed Times Square and Central Park, many may not realize the opportunities that NYC has for a fantastic, memorable haunt.
A case in point is the historic and alluring Morris-Jumel Mansion.
Storied past American History
Built back in 1765, the Morris-Jumel Mansion stands in Upper Manhattan, specifically in Roger Morris Park, located in the neighborhood of Washington Heights.
The official website for the Morris-Jumel Mansion outlines the rich and storied history of the home, which is known to be the “oldest surviving home in Manhattan.”
Originally constructed by Roger Morris, an officer for the British military as a residence for the Morris family. The home came to take on a variety of different roles throughout history.
This includes roles such as a headquarters for General George Washington during the American Revolution, to a tavern. The site goes on to note that the home was bought by Stephen and Eliza Jumel in the year 1810. And renovations subsequently took place.
“Thanks to the stewardship of the last private owners of the property, Ferdinand and Lillie Earle, the home became a museum in 1904,” the site states.
Modern Museum
Today, the Morris-Jumel Mansion still serves as a museum. And due to its rich significance throughout time, can be found in the National Register of Historical Places. The home’s stately size and the fact that it is surrounded by a wealth of trees almost makes it feel (eerily) out of place. Especially in America’s most famous city, though is a stark reality that underlines the home’s unique charm.
Inside, the spacious interior, warm wooden flooring, and ornate details encapsulate the historic roots of the home. And somehow makes it even more believable as a haunted location.
The architecture alone found in Upper Manhattan presents the ideal photography opportunity for travelers. With diversity that includes Art Deco and Renaissance Revival.
In regard to the Mansion itself, the home represents a Palladian architectural style. With that in mind, it’s important to be aware of the photography rules involved in regard to the Morris-Jumel Mansion. Especially for professional photography.
While the Morris-Jumel website notes that private, non-commercial photos and video are allowed in the museum and park. There is a contact email provided for commercial or press image usage.
Furthermore, a form is available in order to request a film or video shoot (in the park or museum).
Rumor has it…
The Mansion’s remarkable appearance may not immediately bring the word ‘haunted’ to mind. Though there have been a variety of haunted experiences reported.
The first reports of the home’s haunted nature came from Eliza and Stephen Jumel back in 1810 (when they purchased the home). In an ABC Localish interview, the Manion’s Public Programs and Visitor Services Manager, Madeline Mungo, notes that whispers, shadows, footsteps, and even broken objects are known to occur.
One Untapped New York article points out that haunted experiences extend to apparitions as well. As people have reported seeing the ghosts of George Washington, soldiers, and even Eliza Jumel herself.
Eliza, who passed at the Mansion at age 90, led quite a unique life.
A Huffpost article by Kim Dramer digs deeper into Eliza Jumel’s story —
“After her husband unexpectedly passed away in 1832. Eliza remarried the following year to Aaron Burr, who is best known as the third US vice president.
“The prominent couple split the year after in 1834. An event in which the article notes that the proceedings “brought gossip and scandal, accusations and counter-accusations.”
“Their marriage was officially dissolved in 1836. And although she spent some time in Europe, Eliza eventually returned to the Mansion where she passed in 1865.”
A first-hand experience
Those who wish to head to the Big Apple in 2025 will find that the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the perfect place to indulge in a bit of NYC history as well as unique paranormal experiences.
A separate, 2024 article from TimeOut outlines what one can expect in regard to a paranormal tour at the Morris-Jumel Mansion. Led by a resident paranormal investigator, the experience is noted to last two hours and includes several key highlights.
These include a “hands-on, house-wide investigation” of various rooms, as well as a rundown on paranormal theory and a brief history on ghost hunting.
It’s important to note that those who wish to take on a haunting experience will need to book a tour in advance, which underlines the value of a well-planned trip.
While the home’s Candlelight Ghost Tour (for those 13 years of age and older) is noted to be on hold in 2025, the Public Paranormal Historical Investigation caters to the 18+ crowd. That said, it’s important to note that the tour costs $60-$70, and is only available from September–April.
According to the Morris-Jumel Mansion website, the event is enjoyable for both skeptics and believers and even provides the opportunity to potentially communicate with the residence’s former inhabitants with the use of paranormal equipment.
Final Thought
For paranormal enthusiasts headed to the Big Apple, a historic haunted location makes for the perfect addition to any 2025 itinerary.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion is just one location that boasts as much history as it does haunt, with the opportunity for a first-hand paranormal tour an ideal way to experience the Mansion for yourself.