The 1793 section of the house was built by printer and wealthy businessman Michael Billmeyer for his son Daniel.

A major focus of this battle was the larger house Cliveden, one block to the southeast, which was also occupied by British troops.

The second section of the house, which is visible from Germantown Avenue, was built in 1793 during the yellow fever epidemic.

[2] During the later part of the nineteenth century architect Walter Cope lived in the house.

The Michael Billmeyer House, located across the street, is also listed on the NRHP.