Morris-Jumel Mansion

The oldest surviving house in Manhattan, built 1765 by Roger Morris. In September 1776, Washington used it as his headquarters during the desperate defense of northern Manhattan following the loss of Brooklyn Heights. From this house, Washington directed the retreat through Harlem Heights and eventually out of Manhattan entirely. The mansion changed hands several times during the British occupation of New York and was later owned by Stephen Jumel. Operated today as a museum by the City of New York.