The Seabrook-Wilson Homestead is known locally as the Spy House. Established in 1650, upon 300 acre farm of mostly marsh land. The area now comprises Pew's Creek watershed area and Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth.
The house is one of the oldest buildings still standing in the bayshore area and was listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places in 1974. The house began as a small cabin in 1720 before growing into its current form in 1896. The building was extensively renovated in 2008.
The building has served as a hotel and tavern as well as a private home. The house has been known as the Bay Side Manor and the White House. Today, it is a small museum documenting colonial life in the area and is the focal point of the park through its activity center.
Many people claim the building is haunted after seeing apparitions in the windows at night. Weird NJ wrote an article about these sightings as well as Roadside America. While it is an historic colonial building it is mainly known for its role in the Revolutionary War.
The building has a good view of New York Harbor which allowed locals to report on British ship movements. Further, while functioning as a tavern, British soldiers were plied with liquor and encouraged to speak freely. Military secrets were passed along to American colonial forces.
I.J. Kappes 1986 |
1896 |
Renovations 2008 |
Additional Resources:
Historic Seabrook-Wilson House
Was N.J.’s Spy House one of the most haunted spots in the country?
The Whole Truth About the 'Spy House'
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