Commemorating one of Cedarville's wealthiest nineteenth-century citizens, they have together been named a historic site because of their distinctive Egyptian-style design.

Upon reaching the age of eighteen, after attending the common schools, Harper entered into business dealing cattle in Illinois and became wealthy.

Having married in 1860, he and his wife joined the ranks of Greene County's largest landowners; by 1881, their estate comprised approximately 1,100 acres (450 ha), and they resided in Cedarville's finest dwelling.

[4] In 1988, the Harper Mausoleum and Memorial Entrance were listed together on the National Register of Historic Places.

[4] The properties are one of two Cedarville locations on the National Register, along with the village opera house on Main Street downtown.