It served as the governor's mansion for nearly four decades in the 20th century, and has been designated a National Historic Landmark for its association with Richard Stockton (1730-1781), a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence.

In 1701, Richard Stockton was granted 5,500-acre (2,200 ha) by William Penn which included the land where Morven now stands.

[4] The house remained in Stockton family ownership until 1944, when it was purchased by New Jersey Governor Walter E. Edge.

The sale was subject to the condition that Morven would be given to the state of New Jersey within two years of Edge's death.

A Greek Revival porch extends across the center three bays of the main block's five-bay facade.