The Government House
1847 Lithograph after 1797 original –
Lithograph-Paper, Frame-Wood, Glass, Wire
Milbourne (1790-1840) after drawing by W.J. Condit (18th– 19th century). Printed in color by Wm Ellis (1747–1810). Lithograph and published by H.R. Robinson (— -1850)
JJ.2000.10
This engraving of the Government House, originally located in New York City, was done after the painting by C. Milbourne. While not much is known about the original or its artist, the watercolor painting is currently with the New York State Historic Society and is dated 1797. C. Milbourne is believed to be a landscape painter of New York City.
The print shows the building situated across from the distinction iron fence around Bowling Green, at the south end of Broadway. Cows lounge on the lawn and two workmen with their carts are seen in the foreground. The building was designed in the Georgian Style of architecture which was the dominant style in New York City during the late 18th century. Typically, the style included a brick or stone exterior, which was complimented by the symmetrical placement of doors and windows. The style was imported from Great Britain, where it was used in country houses of the gentry as well as the expanded townhouse-style homes in London and other cities.
In January, 1797, Jay moved to Albany to serve his 2nd term as governor. Originally, New York’s capital was located in New York City, but the city proved problematic for a few reasons; first, the city’s large population made it susceptible to disease epidemics, especially yellow fever. As an island, New York City was an epicenter of trade and commerce, but it also was vulnerable to attacks from the sea. The cost of living in the city was quite high, even back then. Albany, on the other hand, appeared to have many advantages; it was in a more central location as it was settled along the Hudson. it too was an epicenter for trade and was rapidly growing. Its location in the northern part of the state also helped to avoid a sense of favoritism as rivalries had formed between the northern and southern parts of the state.
After the state capital moved north to Albany, the Government House went through a number of different uses. At first, it was leased, and rooms were rented for passing lodgers. It served as the customs house from 1799 until 1815, and portions of the house were used by various groups such as the New York Academy of Fine Arts as well as the New York Historical Society. After the property was sold to the public, the house was demolished on June 1st, 1815.
John Jay’s 3-story townhouse was located on Broadway, about a block north of Bowling Green. John Jay, his wife Sarah, their two sons and one daughter lived in this house from 1795 to 1797, during his first term as governor. At the time, his daughters Maria and Nancy were away at the Moravian Young Ladies Seminary located in Pennsylvania.
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