ABSTRACT
In recent years, the physical or geographical mobility of northeastern populations, above all of the urban poor in the antebellum United States, has been subjected to detailed and fruitful investigation. This chapter will attempt to broaden our understanding of antebellum cities by exam ining the changing residential choices made by an equally important if more neglected social stratum, the urban rich. The housing site selec tions made by the wealthiest men and families in New York City, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Boston have been closely investigated as part of our larger inquiry into the wealth, family backgrounds, lifestyles, values, and influence of the urban elite.
