This B and B’s namesake feels at home and doesn’t mind being noticed.

DESCRIPTION

Aaron Burr House Bed and Breakfast Lodging room rates range from $95 to $295 per night, double occupancy including a private pool and tennis club. Health club privileges are also available for registered guests.

The current lovely structure, described as a “Painted Lady,” is a two story home that is currently a bed and breakfast that was built in 1873. It is located just steps from central New Hope. It was built upon the foundation of an older, pre-Revolutionary War era home, that perhaps was long in the tooth, and needed to be torn down. Or perhaps it was destroyed by fire and needed to be rebuilt.

The Aaron Burr House offers six beautifully antique decored, hand painted and stenciled rooms and a third floor suite, all with private baths. The feeling throughout is very much Victorian, with nice touches everywhere the guest looks! Modern amenities, like internet access, and gracious hospitality make the stay very pleasant indeed! According to their website, there is a guest pantry – stocked with teas and coffees, sink, refrigerator, and instant hot water tap. Guests are welcomed with refreshments and home baked goodies upon arrival, and guests can enjoy afternoon tea with their Innkeeper as well. There is also private, off-street parking, a huge plus in a busy place like New Hope!

The first floor has oak throughout, while on the second and third floors, wood-pegged, black walnut is prevalent. Tall, arched windows in the bedrooms and common areas make the interior bright! There is a large, screened-in flagstone patio used for a variety of activities. The second-floor has its own parlor, dining room, and kitchen. There is a room for meetings of 20 people.

HISTORY

The curious may ask, “Why is this bed and breakfast named after Vice President Aaron Burr?” The original per-Revolutionary War era home that sat on this property was the abode of some of Vice-President Aaron Burr’s dear friends in the town of New Hope, whom he probably visited. His most famous stay with these friends came after Aaron shot and killed his slanderous political foe, Alexander Hamilton, in a very legal duel, done by the book.

Aaron Burr, throughout his life, was no stranger to very hard, stressful situations. He started out his life as an orphan, when his father, Rev. Aaron Burr Sr., and his mother, Esther Edwards Burr, both died of sickness just a year apart. From two years old, Aaron and his sister Sally, lived with their strict, Puritan Uncle Timothy and Aunt.

Aaron was a precocious, active boy who was quite a handful. Needless to say, he got plenty of whippings from his exasperated uncle, who was trying his best to raise this non-compliant nephew. Aaron ran away several times, but ultimately stayed and endured his living situation when his Aunt’s younger brother, Matthias Ogden who was exactly Aaron’s age, came to live with them. From an early age, Aaron learned to focus on the positive, and endure the negative, going forward in courage and fortitude, staying true to himself.

Probably realizing how smart Aaron was, Uncle Timothy hired the best tutor he could afford, Tapping Reeve, for both young Aaron and Matthias. Aaron bloomed in academics. At age 11, he applied to Princeton, but was turned down because of his age. Not discouraged, he applied again at age 13, and was accepted as a sophomore. After graduating at 16, Aaron began studying for the ministry, as was the family tradition. While he embraced the Calvin doctrine of Predestination, he couldn’t accept some of the legalistic teachings of Calvinism. Aaron believed that everyone who believed in Jesus was welcome in heaven. So Aaron quit the ministry and entered law school, run by Tapping Reeve, who had married Aaron’s sister Sally by this time.

Another hard adventure of endurance and courage under stress was Aaron’s service in the Revolutionary War. Despite his family’s concerns, Aaron joined the militia, in 1775. In the Battle of Quebec he distinguished himself, and was promoted to Captain. He was gifted in tactical warfare, could effectively lead and inspire soldiers, and was promoted to Colonel when he was only 21!

After enduring the harsh conditions at Valley Forge, and suffering a heat stroke during a major battle, his health took a downward turn, and he had to retire. After recovering, Aaron finished Law School, passed the bar, and married his beloved Theodosia Prevost, the widow of a British Officer, who was gossiped about by town tongue waggers as a Loyalist. Aaron moved his law practice to Albany, New York, passing through New York City, just in time to see the British leave the harbor, all by age 26!

Aaron and Theodosia had a daughter, whom they named Theodosia, after her mother. Aaron and his wife had a wonderful marriage for 12 years, despite the fact that Theodosia was an invalid for the last few years of her life. Aaron and his daughter enjoyed a long, close relationship, throughout the ups and downs of Aaron’s life. Aaron believed that girls should also be educated, and made sure his daughter had a good tutor, etc. He was proud of all her accomplishments, embraced her marriage to a fine gentleman, and especially adored his grandson.

Aaron got the nudge to go into politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly, and voted against slavery. He rose in his profession, through sheer ability and knowledge of the law. He became one of the leaders of the New York bar. Aaron’s brilliance was noticed and rewarded with an appointment by the governor to be Attorney General.

Alexander Hamilton was no choir boy, and had a venomous hatred of Aaron Burr, though it wasn’t so at the beginning of their relationship. Hamilton first met Aaron Burr, when Aaron had moved his very successful law practice to New York. Politically, the two were on opposite sides of the political field, but were friendly adversaries until Aaron Burr ran for the Senate, and defeated Alexander’s uncle. Uh oh! From that moment on, Alexander vowed to remove Aaron from politics by any means possible, a goal which he finally achieved.

Hamilton who was a member of the Federalist Party, managed to cause trouble in the Democratic-Republican Party, by turning Thomas Jefferson against Aaron Burr, by telling half-truths and lies about him, painting Aaron in a bad light. During the third American Presidential election of 1800, Jefferson and Burr tied with 73 electoral votes each, and the election was turned over to the House of Representatives. Hamilton did everything he could to slander Burr with falsehoods, hiring others to try to dig up dirt on him, slinging as much mud as he could. He lobbied other members of Congress in the same way.

Finally, after thirty-six votes, Jefferson came in first, becoming President, and Burr was second, becoming Vice-President. Jefferson ignored Burr throughout his presidency, and made life unpleasant for him. While a war from both sides damaged Aaron Burr’s reputation considerably with untruths and innuendos, Aaron reported and performed brilliantly in the Senate, as the overseer of proceedings, and the rest of the Senate really appreciated his efforts. He focused on his duties as Vice President and endured the abuse.

During the next presidential election of 1804, Aaron Burr was ignored by his own party, and wasn’t picked to run with Jefferson. He instead ran for New York governor. Alexander Hamilton wasn’t satisfied yet, and made more mischief to subvert Aaron’s bid for governor. When Aaron was defeated, he realized that his political career was in the toilet, despite his outstanding performance as a politician. Aaron did some digging himself, and discovered that it was Alexander Hamilton behind the lies and untruths that had turned people against him as a leader.

Aaron Burr was not one to run from trouble, and boldly asked Alexander to retract the lies and untruths, but Alexander refused. Aaron did what an honorable man with a military background would do at the time. He challenged Alexander Hamilton to a duel, which was still legal. The duel was done legally by the book, and Hamilton was mortally wounded. After Hamilton died, a huge uproar against Aaron erupted, and Aaron was charged with murder in both New Jersey and New York.

So, Aaron temporarily retreated to New Hope, and stayed with dear friends in their home. He needed the support of those who knew him, and needed time to rethink his situation, and perhaps come up with a plan. The outrage against him from a public that already had a poor view of him, due to years of political slander that was orchestrated by Hamilton, had tainted any jury he may have had to face.

Though the charges against Aaron Burr were dropped, the rest of his life wasn’t easy. He tried to go back to being a military leader, and recruited a group together to free Texas and Mexico from Spanish Tyranny, and set up the Western United States, an independent country from the eastern states, as he had a poor view of Jefferson’s government. He went to trial to face the treason charge, spearheaded by Jefferson. Aaron had the “dream team” of lawyers to defend him, and he was acquitted, but still was disgraced. He left for Europe, and tried to come home via a French ship in 1811, but was caught by the British and held, until May of 1812.

He finally left for New York, and his daughter, Theodosia went by boat to meet him there, but perished at sea, which broke his heart. He restarted his law practice, and still made a good living, though he never re-entered public life. He did get some satisfaction to hear of the Texas revolution against Spain, knowing he was on the right track, but just years ahead in his thinking.

Perhaps trying to find another love, he foolishly married the narcissist widow of Stephen Jumel, Madam Eliza Jumel, three years before he died. She didn’t kill Aaron like she did her first husband, but simply divorced him, because she thought he was investing too much of her money in land deals. Aaron died on the day the divorce was final, and hopefully was reunited with his beloved first wife and daughter.

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS

People who enjoyed being in a place where they felt safe and protected, a respite from the hardships they suffered, will continue to visit or even reside after they pass into the spirit world, even if the original structure is renovated, or torn down, and a new one was built on the same foundation, or even just on the same land.

Hammond Castle, MA (The spirits of Jack and Irene Hammond found peace and joy in their castle, a respite from the objections of their families had about their relationship).

Edith Wharton Estate: The Mount, MA (The spirits of Edith and her husband, and their friends afe enjoying their afterlives in this glorious house museum, where they can relive the peace and friendship the enjoyed while alive).

Hartford Twain House, CT (Because Mark Twain was not a good money manager, and their daughter had died there, they had to move out with their remaining daughter, eventually selling their dream home).

Aaron Burr House, PA (The consequence for Aaron after shooting Hamilton in a duel was the angry outrage directed against him. He sought refuge with some close friends, received emotional support, felt safe, and was able to recollect his thoughts. The spirit of Aaron Burr needs a place to work out his restlessness. His spirit went back to his friends house and found out that a fine bed and breakfast stood on the foundation of the old home. He was tickled pink to have this fine bed and breakfast named after himself!!).

Some spirits are not able to let go of the negative consequences that befell them, and still hurt from a lack of respect. They still look for peace in places that comforted them while they were alive.

Glebe House Museum, CT (A courageous loyalist who paid dearly for his beliefs now savors his privacy and peace).

Carnegie Library in Oakland, PA (The spirits of former patrons still love to come and read for a variety of reasons. The library was a place of peace where they could escape the worries of their lives. They may still come looking for peace in books).

Aaron Burr House Bed and Breakfast, PA (The spirit of Aaron Burr is not at rest, not only for the unjust consequences based on lies he suffered while alive, the betrayal of a General he thought could be trusted in his quest to free Texas and Mexico, and the lack of recognition for his life’s victories and accomplishments in politics, on the battlefield and his successful law career).

MANIFESTATIONS

PARANORMAL FINDINGS

Guests, owners, staff and probably repairmen have had many personal experiences with this spirit who visits regularly, as he approves of the current bed and breakfast in the new and much improved structure.

I can’t find any paranormal investigations that were shared publicly online.

STILL HAUNTED?

Probably so!! The spirit of Aaron Burr has made his presence known through physical contact, appearing visibly in front of the living, clearly enough to be recognized, and has made himself apparent to the living’s senses.

He is a spirit, and comes and goes as he pleases, visiting probably all of his favorite spots in this world, remembering all the good he experienced there, trying to overcome the restlessness that continues to pull him into this world as he works to let go completely of his frustration from his not-so-positive experiences, and the lack of recognition from the living of all his accomplishments.

LOCATION

80 West Bridge Street
New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania 18938
(215) 862-2343

Aaron Burr House Bed and Breakfast Lodging is located near the intersection of Chestnut and West Bridge Street.

SOURCES INCLUDE

• Ghost Stories of Pennsylvania
  by Dan Asfar – Lone Pine Publishing – 2002
• bbonline.com
• ushistory.org
• law2.umkc.edu
• paranormalobserver.com
• sites.google.com
• traveltips.usatoday.com
• suite101.com
• hauntedearthghostvideos.blogspot.com
• theoccultsection.com

Our Haunted Paranormal Stories are Written by Julie Carr

Our Photos are copyrighted by Tom Carr

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VIDEOS TO WATCH:

AARON BURR HOUSE **TRAPPED SOULS** PART 1

Stay at The Aaron Burr House in Bucks County