GPS City GuidePrincetonWestland Mansion

Stop 25 of 31 · Princeton audio walking tour

Westland Mansion

historic district of Princeton · 1897 · Cleveland's Retirement Home

What you'll hear here: about a minute on Westland Mansion — the story behind what you're looking at, playing hands-free as you arrive.

Grover Cleveland retired to your Westland Mansion in 1897, a National Historic Landmark in the historic district of Princeton. This was the home of Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, from his retirement in 1897 until his death in 1908. The house itself was built in 1856 by Robert F. Stockton and was patterned after Morven, a nearby 18th-century mansion also owned by Stockton.

Notice how the National Park Service described it: a 2-1/2-story stone structure covered with stucco painted yellow, with twin parlors on the first floor, spacious rooms, high ceilings, and handsome marble mantelpieces. Stockton came from a prominent political family, served as a United States Senator and naval commodore, and was noted for the capture of California during the Mexican–American War; his grandfather, Judge Richard Stockton, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Originally the house stood as a three-story main residence on roughly 4.5 acres of expansive lawns and fruit orchards; a small rear wing was later added for servant's quarters and stables.

Notice the painted stucco and the sweep of lawn that hint at those orchards.

Where it is

Coordinates
40.35129, -74.6677
Area
historic district of Princeton
Era
1897 · Cleveland's Retirement Home
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Three stops free. No account needed. The audio plays itself as you walk.