It all started when...

In 1761 the Board of Proprietors of the Eastern Division of New Jersey deemed appropriate the construction of a home for the official residence of the Royal Governor.  After many delays, changes and cost overruns the mansion was finally completed in 1764.  Ready for occupation, the house was leased to New Jersey's Chief Justice Smyth, and then another lawyer, before Royal Governor William Franklin finally took up residence in 1774.  The son of Benjamin Franklin, William was loyal to the King as he took his commission as Royal Governor very seriously.  When war was finally declared between Great Britain and the American colonies, friction built between father and son until in 1775 Benjamin Franklin came to visit William at the Governor's mansion in Perth Amboy to try to convince him to come over to the cause of independence.  William's refusal permanently damaged their relationship and eventually William was arrested at the house in June of 1776.  The building is the only surviving official Royal Governor's residence still standing in the original 13 colonies, all others being reconstructions.

Occupied by both British and American troops during the Revolution, abandoned and despoiled after the war, gutted by fire and purchased by a suspected double-agent, by the end of the 18th century the house had already had a full life.  After extensive repairs, renovations and the addition of a 4-story wing, the building emerged anew in 1809 as Brighton House.  "This charming place, magnificent by nature and elegant by art, is now open for the reception of company....The house...perhaps superior to any other of its kind in the United States...commands an extensive view of the sea" (American Citizen, 1809). While experiencing the ups and downs of fortune, the house became the private residence of one of the wealthiest men in the United States, Matthias Bruen, in 1817 and again became a prime resort destination (as was Perth Amboy) after his death in 1846.  The wealthy flocked to Brighton House to enjoy the finest in hospitality, entertainment and seaside relaxation.

Again fate had much more in store for this building...

As an economic downturn in the 1880s forced the closure of Brighton House.  The house passed to the Presbyterian Board of Relief and became known as Westminster, then back to the Bruen family.  It was eventually sold with the intention of it being preserved as an historic site, but insufficient funds forced the sale and subdivision of the property in 1911.  Kearny Avenue was cut through the once great lawn and smaller houses were built on the surrounding lots.  A number of owners followed each other until it became the Westminster Hotel and eventually a rather notorious "flop house".  Thankfully, this was not to be the house's final chapter. 

It took most of the 20th century and several iterations...

Of preservation minded groups before the building began its journey toward restoration and recognition as Proprietary House: The Royal Governor's Mansion.  Currently owned by the State of New Jersey and operated by the non-profit Proprietary House Association, we are fortunate to once again be able to relive the splendor of the building as it passed through it's most significant moments in history.  Restoration is ongoing and Proprietary House is open to visitors every Sunday between the hours of 1pm and 4pm.

Visit their website.