Nowhere in the United States but New Jersey can you see and walk through a Royal Governor's Mansion.

This house, located in Perth Amboy and built in 1762-1764, is the house where William Franklin, Ben Franklin's son and last royal governor of New Jersey, resided. It is here, during the time of the Declaration of Independence being debated in the Phildelphia, that he was arrested and taken into custody by the new New Jersey Government. You can witness a reenactment of his arrest each year at the house, plus they have many other special events.

Since those early days in colonial history, time has not dealt kindly with the wonderful old structure. Fire, vandalism, vacancy, and depression over the past two centuries have all contributed to its decline. Yet still it stands, the single remaining Royal Governor's Mansion of all the original colonies.

In 1967 the property was taken over by the State of New Jersey. Restoration and preservation measures were undertaken by the Proprietary House Association, an independent non-profit organization made up of concerned citizens. At last the House is regaining much of its former glory and is open for visits. It stands as a proud reminder of New Jersey's place in American history.

Come visit us and take pride in experiencing that precarious moment in American history when the rage for independence swept across the land.