Morris-Jumel Mansion – Haunted Historic House in Manhattan, New York

Perched on a quiet hilltop in Upper Manhattan, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest surviving house in the borough—and one of the most haunted. Built in 1765, this Georgian-style estate once served as George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War.

Over the centuries, it’s hosted a cast of colorful characters, but it’s the darker, ghostly remnants of its past that draw thrill-seekers today. Many believe the mansion is still home to its former inhabitants, some of whom never truly left.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1765
• Original Purpose: Private residence
• Significant Events:
  • Served as General George Washington’s military headquarters during the Battle of Harlem Heights.
  • Later owned by Eliza Jumel, a wealthy socialite with a mysterious past and even more mysterious death.
  • Her marriage to Aaron Burr (of Hamilton fame) ended in scandal and divorce.
  • Rumors of affairs, suicide attempts, and shady dealings shadowed Eliza’s final years.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Visitors and staff report a range of eerie happenings inside the mansion. Cold spots in rooms with no drafts, furniture that moves on its own, and phantom footsteps are frequently experienced. Whispers echo through empty halls, and some claim to hear the rustle of period clothing.

The most chilling tales involve the appearance of a stern woman in 19th-century attire—believed to be Eliza Jumel herself—gliding down the grand staircase or peering through windows when no one is inside.

Ghost Stories & Reports

Who are the ghosts?

• Eliza Jumel is the most prominent spirit, often seen in her former bedroom or by the staircase.
• A soldier in Revolutionary War garb is sometimes spotted in the dining room, possibly linked to the house’s wartime past.
• An unknown young servant girl is rumored to roam the halls, often heard sobbing or humming.

What do visitors report?

• Sudden drops in temperature.
• Doors opening and slamming shut on their own.
• Disembodied voices and laughter echoing through empty rooms.

Local folklore:

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The second-floor staircase is notorious. Many have seen Eliza Jumel’s ghost descending it slowly, gripping the banister. Visitors often feel watched or experience intense unease while standing nearby.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: $10 for adults; discounts available for seniors and students
• Tour Availability: Guided tours available Wednesday through Sunday, with special ghost tours held in October
• Photography Allowed? Yes (no flash)
• Visiting Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday

Best Time to Visit

October is the best time to explore the mansion’s haunted side. The Halloween tours are especially popular, and many visitors claim the spirits are more “active” in the fall.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The mansion has been featured on shows like Ghost Adventures and Most Haunted. Paranormal teams have captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and sudden temperature drops. Some investigators claim to have made contact with multiple entities, especially in the master bedroom and servant quarters.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

Several former staff members and volunteers have reported strange encounters—one even claimed to see furniture rearranged overnight. A local historian once stayed after hours and swore he saw a candlelight procession down the hallway, with no living soul in sight.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

There are no trespassing concerns, but visitors are asked not to enter roped-off areas, particularly during restoration work. Flash photography and Ouija boards are strictly prohibited.

Cursed or Haunted Objects

A mirror in the second-floor hallway is rumored to show faces that don’t belong to the living. Some guests have reported feeling dizzy or hearing voices when standing in front of it.