The Big Four House was originally three separate buildings constructed over 1851 to 1852, adjacent to the Sacramento River waterfront.

[2] The lower floors were occupied by merchants, three of whom later became The Big Four (with Charles Crocker), hence the buildings' name.

The Big Four were associated with the founding of the First transcontinental railroad linking California with the Eastern U.S. — and were Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins, Jr., Leland Stanford, and Charles Crocker.

[2] Huntington, Hopkins & Co., which imported and sold hardware, iron, steel, and coal, occupied 54 "K" Street.

Over time it has also housed shops, including the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store, a bar and cafe, and a hotel on the second floor.