Washington Heights is Manhattan's highest natural point (265 feet, in Bennett Park)
Manhattan's oldest house the Morris-Jumel mansion built in 1765 served as General Washington’s headquarters during the Battle of Harlem Heights in 1776 still stands at 160th Street, Manhattan's second highest point.
(Photo credit: Library of Congress Detroit Publishing Company Photograph Collection)
Its distinctive style was very advanced for its time. The land on which it sits, "Mount Morris," commanded views of downtown Manhattan as well as of New Jersey and Westchester.
During the decade before the Revolutionary War, the Georgian house, with its monumental portico and octagonal drawing room, was the setting for some of the colony’s most fashionable parties.
Opened as Washington’s Headquarters by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1904, the Mansion has served as a museum for more than a century. Today, the Mansion features restored period rooms from the Morris, Washington, and Jumel eras. NYC bought the house from the late owners in 1903.
Morris-Jumel Mansion is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by Morris-Jumel Mansion Inc., and is a member of the Historic House Trust.
Watch a video about Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum.
Brought to you by The History Channel.
Today Washington Heights is a value neighborhood. It is a great neighborhood for folks who have been priced out of downtown yet it is still on the island.
Happy President's Day!
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