3. The House Served as Headquarters for Opposing Forces of the Revolution
When the American Revolution broke out in 1776, the Morrises abandoned their summer home of Mount Morris. Shortly after the Morrises’ departure, George Washington and his Continental officers made the home their headquarters. The strategic location of the home, atop a high vantage point of the mansion and between the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, helped Washington secure a victory on September 16th during the Battle of Harlem Heights.
Less than a month after the victory of Harlem Heights, Washington and his troops were forced to retreat north to White Plains. The Morris-Jumel Mansion was occupied by both the British and Hessian armies for the remainder of the war.