4.) In the 20th Century, who were some famous

people that moved into the neighborhood surrounding

the Morris jumel mansion?

In 1810, Eliza and Stephen Jumel purchased Mount Morris, all farmlands, and began a series of alterations to the house. Also in the autumn of 1776, General George Washington and his Patriot officers moved in and made the house their headquarters from September 14th to October 21st.

By the 1880s, most of the Jumel land had been sold as the city expanded and fashionable townhouses rose immediately surrounding the Mansion. The City of New York purchased the house and the two acres it sits on creating Roger Morris Park. With the assistance of the DAR, the Mansion was turned into a historic house and museum. The mid-20th Century saw the neighborhood develop into a vibrant home to many artists and celebrities including Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and Duke Ellington, who once referred to the Morris-Jumel Mansion as "the jewel in the crown of Sugar Hill." The buildings in this district are protected by the New York Landmarks Commission and must be maintained by their owners reflective of when they were built. Because of this, the appearance of the neighborhood has changed very little since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Today, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest house in Manhattan and as a museum highlights the art, architecture and lives of the Morris and Jumel families, while celebrating the changing landscape from the now lost Polo Grounds to the contemporary artists who find inspiration from this over 250 year old structure, and culture. We hope to see you soon to experience all that is new at Manhattan's oldest house.