This New Jersey House Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation
By Kristen|Published December 19, 2018
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Kristen
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
The Garden State is home to some of the most haunted buildings in the country, one such building is the Proprietary House. While it may be haunted, it’s also seen hundreds of years of American history and is a fantastic place to visit. It’s an enchanting winter break destination (though perhaps a bit spooky if you’re the sort to believe in ghosts) – why not bring the family for a tour?
The Proprietary House in Perth Amboy is one of the most historic buildings still standing in the United States. It is the only remaining Proprietary Governor’s mansion from the 13 original colonies.
Completed in 1764 and leased for a decade, Royal Governor William Franklin moved into the home in 1774. If the last name sounds familiar, it’s because William was the illegitimate son of founding father and inventor, Benjamin Franklin.
British troops forced an evacuation of Perth Amboy in 1777 and the mansion was abandoned. Throughout the Revolutionary War, it was occupied by both British and American troops. After the war, the home was once again abandoned, vandalized and gutted by fire.
Left in ruin, hope seemed lost for the structure - until it was purchased by a local businessman. Additions were made to the structure and it opened as the Brighton House Hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel failed.
In the years following, the property would change hands several times. By the mid-1900s, the mansion was run down and operating as a boarding home and possibly a brothel of sorts. Luckily, historic preservationists fought to save and restore the site.
Proprietary House now operates as a museum. However, it's not an ordinary museum. The mansion is said to be haunted by several ghosts including a Revolutionary War soldier, woman in white and a young boy.
The home was featured on Ghost Hunters in 2008 and later investigated by the Jersey Unique Minds Paranormal Society. The group detected a paranormal presence including a possible EVP. The wine cellar may be one of the most haunted rooms, and it is said to have been used as a dungeon.
Want a peek inside? Take a tour. If you visit during the holiday season, you can enjoy the manor all decked out in "shades of red." It's a lovely bit of festive fun!
Tours typically start at the wine cellar mentioned earlier (now a tea room), where guests occasionally report someone grabbing at their neck. There's also a staircase said to be the scene of a murder.
Whether you visit for the decorations, history, or hauntings, a visit to the Proprietary House is sure to delight. Tours of the museum are held every Wednesday and Sunday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.. Afternoon tea is also held during this time. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 per child, Sunday reservations are appreciated. Find the Proprietary House at 149 Kearny Avenue in Perth Amboy.
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