The house was commissioned in 1871 by Andrew Dickson White, co-founder and first president of the university.

The house is richly decorated with stone carvings according to White's tastes, intended to remind students of men's accomplishments and inspire them to higher purpose and an appreciation of beauty.

[3] White left the house to the university for the perpetual use of its later presidents.

Presidents still use the study on the southeast side of the building as a private office/retreat.

[3] Since the construction of a new Johnson museum, the house has been used for offices of the Humanities Society.