Proprietary House in Perth Amboy stands as the last surviving proprietary governor’s mansion from the original thirteen colonies — a distinction that makes this Georgian-style residence one of New Jersey’s most historically significant landmarks. Built in the 1760s for Royal Governor William Franklin (Benjamin Franklin’s son), the house witnessed the political upheaval of the American Revolution firsthand when Franklin was arrested here in 1776 for his loyalty to the British Crown.

The three-story brick mansion offers guided tours that bring colonial-era New Jersey to life. Period-furnished rooms reveal how the colonial elite lived, while exhibits trace the building’s remarkable journey from governor’s residence to hotel, boarding house, and eventual restoration. The house sits along the Perth Amboy waterfront, and visitors can combine a tour with a walk along the nearby Raritan Bay shoreline.

Special events throughout the year — including candlelight tours, Revolutionary War reenactments, and holiday open houses — offer deeper ways to engage with the site. History buffs will appreciate the connections to both the Franklin family and New Jersey’s role in the independence movement.

Spring through fall provides the best visiting window, when the grounds are fully accessible and event programming is most active. Tours typically run on select days, so checking the current schedule before visiting is recommended.

Plan for about an hour to explore the house and grounds. Proprietary House rewards visitors who appreciate the quieter corners of American history — the kind of place where a single building holds centuries of stories waiting to be discovered.

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