Benjamin Franklin’s own son was placed under house arrest in this brick mansion. Yep, that Franklin family, and that drama.
The son was William Franklin, New Jersey’s last royal governor. He stayed loyal to the king while his famous father backed independence.
Benjamin even came by to try changing his mind, which did not work out.
What gets me is the survival story. The house outlasted troops from both sides, a serious fire, and years as a hotel, a retirement home, and offices.
It’s also the only official royal governor’s mansion from the original Thirteen Colonies still standing. Honestly, I’d make a detour just to stand on that sidewalk and stare.
The Only One Of Its Kind Left From The Thirteen Colonies
Thirteen colonies once had royal governors, and plenty of them had official homes. Only one of those mansions is still standing, and it’s The Proprietary House in Perth Amboy.
Construction started in 1762 and wrapped up in 1764. The Proprietors of East Jersey paid for it, hoping to give New Jersey’s royal governor a proper place to live.
That makes this brick building a rare survivor from a very short era. Royal rule in America didn’t last long after it was finished.
The house, though, kept right on going.
Think about how much had to go right for that to happen. Fires, armies, neglect, and changing owners all took their turn here.
Plenty of colonial buildings in other states vanished under new roads or new projects. This one stayed put on its spot near the water in Middlesex County.
So when you see it, you’re looking at something truly one of a kind. No other former colony can point to its own royal governor’s mansion and say the same.
That’s a pretty big bragging right for New Jersey. Honestly, the state should mention it more often.
A Family Feud That Changed A Governor’s Fate
Family arguments over politics are nothing new. The Franklins just had one with much higher stakes.
William Franklin was Benjamin Franklin’s son and New Jersey’s last royal governor. He lived in this mansion from 1774 until 1776.
Benjamin threw his support behind independence. William stayed loyal to the British crown, and neither one budged.
Benjamin even visited the house to try to win his son over. That conversation clearly didn’t change anything, since William held firm.
In 1776, the Continental Congress ordered William placed under house arrest right here. Later, he was imprisoned and charged with treason.
It’s wild to think a famous founding father’s family split happened inside these walls. History books often show Benjamin as a cheerful inventor, but this story reveals a much harder side.
The museum sometimes brings this moment back to life through reenactments of the governor’s arrest. If one is scheduled when you plan a trip, that’s a great way to understand the story.
Fair warning, you might side with one Franklin over the other. Bringing up this debate at dinner afterward could get lively.
Both Armies Took Turns Calling It Headquarters
Talk about a house with a busy guest list. During the American Revolution, Patriot and British troops both occupied The Proprietary House.
American General Hugh Mercer used it as a headquarters at one point. Later, British General Sir William Howe did the same.
That flip-flop tells you a lot about Perth Amboy during those years. The town sat in a spot that both sides wanted.
A grand brick mansion made a handy base for officers planning their next moves. It had space, a solid structure, and a location close to the water.
Of course, soldiers aren’t famous for careful housekeeping. After the conflict, the building was left badly damaged and vandalized.
Then a significant fire around 1785 made things even worse. Many buildings wouldn’t have bounced back from that kind of rough stretch.
Somehow, this one did. Repairs and new owners eventually gave it a fresh start.
When you stand outside today, it helps to picture that wild chapter. Two opposing generals slept under the same roof, just a few years apart.
That’s a strange kind of roommate situation, even by colonial standards.
Hotel, Retirement Home, Offices, And More
Most houses have one big identity. This mansion has had about half a dozen.
After the governor era ended, it became a private home. Around 1808 and 1809, it turned into a resort hotel called The Brighton.
That hotel makeover left a big mark. Almost all of the interior woodwork you see today dates from that period, including two handsome interior arches.
The hotel owners also swapped the original massive brownstone steps for a two-story porch. A door to the porch’s upper level replaced a Venetian window.
Later, the building became The Westminster, a retirement home for Presbyterian ministers. It also spent time as a boarding house and as an office complex.
Even now, the upper floors of the original building and an 1809 wing hold professional offices. The museum uses the first floor and basement.
I love that mix of old and everyday. Somebody upstairs might be answering emails while history buffs explore below.
Each chapter added its own layer to the building. Spotting which details come from which era is half the fun of visiting The Proprietary House.
Brick, Brownstone, And Georgian Good Looks
Georgian architecture loves order, balance, and a confident look. The Proprietary House checks every one of those boxes.
It’s an imposing brick mansion built in that classic colonial style. The details are where it really shows off.
Brownstone forms the base of the building. You’ll also find it in the windowsills, lintels, belt courses, and parapet coping.
On the main east facade, look for the splayed lintels above the windows. Those angled stone pieces give the front a crisp, polished finish.
Belt courses are the horizontal bands that run across the walls. They help break up all that brick and add a neat, layered look.
A major exterior restoration started in 2018 and finished in spring 2021. That work helped protect these features for future visitors.
Bring a camera, even if you only see the outside. The contrast between red brick and darker brownstone photographs really well.
Here’s a fun challenge for kids. Have them count the windows and spot every piece of brownstone trim.
It turns an architecture lesson into a game, and nobody needs to know it’s educational.
A Dining Room Dressed For The 1770s
Only a few rooms get a full time-travel treatment, and the dining room is a highlight. It’s been decorated to reflect how it looked in the 1770s, during Governor Franklin’s stay.
That choice makes sense. Those were the most dramatic years in the house’s long story.
Standing in a space styled for that moment helps the history feel real. You can picture formal meals and serious talks about a colony on the edge of change.
The museum fills the first floor and basement of The Proprietary House. Guided tours lead you through these spaces and explain how each one fits the bigger story.
Keep an eye on the woodwork as you move around. Most of it comes from the 1808 to 1809 hotel conversion, so you’re seeing two eras side by side.
There’s also a gift shop if you want a souvenir. A small keepsake from a royal governor’s mansion is a pretty good conversation starter.
The house is ADA accessible, with restrooms on site. That makes it easier for families and groups with different needs to enjoy the visit together.
Afternoon Tea Underneath It All
Tea in a basement sounds odd until you learn which basement. Afternoon tea has been served in the mansion’s old colonial cellar.
Brick walls and centuries of history make it a memorable setting for a cup. It feels a lot more interesting than a regular cafe.
Reservations are required in advance. Tea service has historically been offered on certain afternoons, so check the schedule before you go.
Pairing tea with a tour makes for a relaxed outing. You learn about rebellious governors upstairs, then slow down with something warm downstairs.
It’s a lovely choice for a birthday, a grandparent visit, or a get-together with friends. Kids who like dressing up might enjoy it too.
The museum’s spaces can also be rented for small events. Weddings, showers, luncheons, and meetings are all on the list.
Groups max out at 50 people, and open flames aren’t allowed. That keeps a 1764 landmark safe while still letting folks celebrate there.
A baby shower in a royal governor’s mansion? I’d say that beats a party room at a chain restaurant by a mile.
Ghost Tours, Concerts, And Costumed Drama
Spooky stories tend to follow old houses around. So it’s fitting that ghost tours are part of the event lineup here.
The Proprietary House hosts special programs throughout the year. Lectures, concerts, and storytelling sessions all show up on the calendar.
Reenactments add extra flair. One favorite topic is Governor Franklin’s arrest, which brings the house’s biggest moment to life.
Events give you a different way to experience the building. A concert in a colonial mansion feels nothing like music at a modern venue.
Lectures work well for history fans who want deeper detail. Storytelling is great for younger visitors who’d rather listen than read signs.
And the ghost tours? They’re perfect for anyone who likes a little shiver with their history lesson.
With centuries of soldiers, hotel guests, and retired ministers passing through, there’s no shortage of material. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the stories are fun.
Event schedules change, so look at the museum’s calendar before making plans. Grabbing a spot early is smart, since smaller historic spaces fill up fast.
Plan Ahead Before You Head To Kearny Avenue
Good news first: you’ll find the mansion at 149 Kearny Avenue, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861. Off-street parking makes arriving pretty painless.
Now the important part. The museum closed for capital improvements and safety upgrades tied to America 250 preparations.
The official word has pointed to a reopening in late 2026. Tours have typically run on Sunday afternoons, but confirm the current schedule before you drive over.
Even while it’s closed, the outside is worth a look. The brick facade and two-story porch are easy to admire from the street.
Perth Amboy itself is a history lover’s town. It’s home to the oldest City Hall in continuous use in the United States, dating to the early 1700s.
Fun bonus fact: Richard McGuire’s graphic novel Here is set on the grounds of The Proprietary House. Book fans might want a photo for that reason alone.
Put it all together, and you’ve got a solid New Jersey day trip. A royal mansion, a record-setting City Hall, and a famous comic connection, all in one stop?
Pretty great deal.
