Along with the nearby Carson House, it is an important piece of McDowell County history, and is currently in the process of major restoration.

Built by Colonel Joseph McDowell, an American Revolutionary War hero who fought at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

He was a son of "Hunting" John McDowell, who received a Royal Land Grant from Governor Tryon on December 22, 1767 for 640 acres (2.6 km2) on the Catawba River, a portion of which is the site of this home.

Construction of the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway was completed in Summer 2010 and Phase I opened to the public in September 2010.

Phase II of the Greenway was completed in March 2015 and extends an additional 0.7 miles to the Joseph McDowell House on US Highway 70 West and beyond.