[3] It is notable for its association with Henry Lippitt (1818–91), a wealthy textile magnate who was the 33rd Governor of Rhode Island.

The Lippitt House is a large three-story brick structure, resting on a brownstone foundation, and topped by a roof that is hipped except for a projecting gable at the front (western) elevation.

The public rooms in particular exhibit a wide variety of materials and are richly decorated with wallpaper, woodwork, plasterwork, and stenciling.

The house was built in 1865 by Governor Henry Lippitt and was loosely based upon a design by Russell Warren.

[3] The sculptures, viewable on the front lawn of the mansion, were colorful silhouettes which represent domestic workers who worked for Henry Lippitt.