4.) In the 20th Century, who were some famous
people that moved into the neighborhood surrounding
the Morris jumel mansion?

In 1810, Eliza and Stephen Jumel purchased Mount Morris, all farmlands, and began a series of alterations to the house.Also in the autumn of 1776, General George Washington and his Patriot officers moved in and made the house their headquarters from September 14th to October 21st.

By the 1880s, most of the Jumel land had been sold as the city expanded and fashionable townhouses rose immediately surrounding the Mansion. The City of New York purchased the house and the two acres it sits on creating Roger Morris Park. With the assistance of the DAR, the Mansion was turned into a historic house and museum. The mid-20th Century saw the neighborhood develop into a vibrant home to many artists and celebrities including Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and Duke Ellington, who once referred to the Morris-Jumel Mansion as “the jewel in the crown of Sugar Hill.” The buildings in this district are protected by the New York Landmarks Commission and must be maintained by their owners reflective of when they were built. Because of this, the appearance of the neighborhood has changed very little since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Today, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest house in Manhattan and as a museum highlights the art, architecture and lives of the Morris and Jumel families, while celebrating the changing landscape from the now lost Polo Grounds to the contemporary artists who find inspiration from this over 250 year old structure, and culture. We hope to see you soon to experience all that is new at Manhattan’s oldest house.

the articles of confederation only set up the continental congress at the federal level. there were no executive or judicial branches except within the states. the states were allowed to keep every right that was not specifically given to congress. the bonding of the states was through a 'firm league of friendship' that best served as a defense agreement against invasion. states were not allowed to use taxes as a way to discourage treaties, and states were extremely limited in their dealings with foreign nations.

not many historians today talk about the strengths of the articles of confederation, likely because of how unpopular the document quickly became. the articles did set the legislative body, congress, as the highest power in the nation because of the fear of monarchy. congress had the sole power to declare war, assign treaties, entertain foreign relations, and operate post offices. disputes between states and territorial issues were to be brought to congress. the document also stipulated that canada was allowed to enter the union if they desired.

there were more weaknesses than strengths under the articles of confederation. the lack of power given to the continental congress strangled the federal government. the articles gave congress the power to pass laws but no power to enforce those laws. if a state did not support a federal law, that state could simply ignore it. congress had no power to levy taxes or regulate trade. without a federal court system or executive leader, there would be no way to enforce these laws, either. amending the articles of confederation would also require a unanimous decision, which would be extremely difficult.

study of past cultures