Drumthwacket
New Jersey’s Official Governor’s Residence — 1835 Greek Revival Mansion, Charles Smith Olden Estate, Moses Taylor Pyne Italian Gardens, Free Public Tours, National Register of Historic Places 1975, Princeton Mercer County New Jersey
Drumthwacket is the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey, located at 354 Stockton Street, Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey. Built in 1835 by Charles Smith Olden (NJ Governor 1860–1863), the name derives from Scots-Gaelic meaning “wooded hill.” Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975, this Greek Revival and Colonial Georgian mansion features formal Italian gardens designed by Moses Taylor Pyne, expansive wings added during the 1893 Pyne renovation, historic rooms used for official state receptions and meetings, free guided public tours through the Drumthwacket Foundation, the restored Olden House (gift shop and foundation office), and administration by the NJ DEP with nonprofit support.
History of the Estate
The land was originally owned by William Penn and later acquired by William Olden in 1696. Charles Smith Olden built the main mansion in 1835, blending Greek Revival and Georgian architectural styles. In 1893, financier and philanthropist Moses Taylor Pyne purchased the estate and oversaw major expansions, adding two wings, formal Italian gardens, and park-like landscaping. The Spanel family (founders of Playtex) later owned the property until selling it to the State of New Jersey in 1966 to serve as the official governor’s mansion. It has served in that role since 1982.
Visiting Drumthwacket
The Drumthwacket Foundation offers free guided tours to the public, schools, and private groups, typically on Wednesdays (advanced registration required). Tours showcase the mansion’s historic rooms, period furnishings, and formal gardens. The adjacent restored Olden House serves as the foundation office and gift shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all governors live here?
While it’s been the official residence since 1982, its use as a full-time home has varied among different governors.
What does “Drumthwacket” mean?
It’s Scots-Gaelic for “wooded hill,” referring to the property’s forested hillside setting in Princeton.
