The construction, which cost $15,000, relied on Samoan laborers overseen by naval architects and two skilled carpenters from the U.S.[7] Government House is located in Fagatogo on Maugaoalii Mt.

The original block of the house is a wood frame cruciform structure, mounted on concrete piers.

Due to its siting on a ridge sometimes exposed to hurricane-force winds, the building is secured by ten-foot metal spikes embedded in the ground.

From this house naval governors administered the territory until 1951, when administration was turned over to the United States Department of the Interior.

It has since been the official residence of the territory's civilian governors, and has been host to virtually every major dignitary to visit the island.