The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1970, for its significance in architecture and history.

[4] In 1816, Philip Marshall (James's father) moved his family from Hopewell, New Jersey to nearby Lambertville.

He purchased 44 perches (approximately five acres) of land from Joseph Lambert for $300 and built a Federal-style brick home.

The Marshall family resided in the house until 1834, when Philip died and his wife could no longer afford to live in it.

In an effort to save the house, Lambertville resident Alice Narducci reached an agreement with St. John's to deed the building to the New Jersey Department of Conservation and Economic Development.