Originally home to one of the area's oldest families, it was built in the middle of the nineteenth century in a mix of architectural styles.

A native of Delaware, Robert Kirkwood emigrated to present-day Belmont County in 1789 after fighting in the American Revolution; he and his family were among the region's first settlers.

Joseph his son erected the present house in 1846 and arranged for its expansion seven years later by the construction of a large ell to the rear.

Chimneys are placed at both ends of the roofline on the original house, with another such structure in the ell; the roof itself is metal.

[4] By the time of listing, the Kirkwood House was no longer used as a typical residence, having been converted into a group home for the mentally retarded, "Thresholds to Tomorrow".