Drumthwacket Short History
The Greek Revival mansion, surrounded by stately lawns, was built in 1835 by Charles Smith Olden, a Philadelphia businessman.
He returned to Princeton after making his fortune and built himself a mansion behind his grandfather’s cottage, the place where he was born.
The cottage still stands on the front lawn of Drumthwacket. Olden was closely associated with Princeton University and was Governor of New Jersey from 1860 to 1864.
After Olden’s death, the house passed to a second owner, Moses Taylor Pyne. In 1895, Pyne began a twenty-year renovation that added grand wings to the central mansion, carefully matching the style of the original house.
Today, Drumthwacket once again houses the governor of New Jersey.
Visitor Information
Opening Times
Drumthwacket is open for visitors and it is open each Wednesday from 12,00 to 14,00. It also hosts a museum.
Drumthwacket is closed during January, February, and August, and on the Wednesdays preceding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Drumthwacket Facts
Drumthwacket is the official residence of the governor of New Jersey.
Architectural Style: Mansion with Greek Revival and Colonial Georgian elements.
Since 1975 it is part of the National Register of Historic Places of the USA
The estate is officially administrated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and currently, it is under Drumthwacket’s Foundation responsibility.
Drumthwacket Location
Drumthwacket Address: 354 Stockton Street, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540. Get help with directions using the map provided below: