It was built in 1829 by Samuel Alsop, Jr. (1776–1859) for his daughter Ann Eliza and her husband, John M. Anderson.

In addition to Kenmore, he also designed and built "Oakley" for another daughter as well as his own home, "Fairview".

[5] The relatively modest-sized Kenmore is unusual for Alsop in that it was designed with a narrow central hallway and a spiral staircase.

[6] The house was sold in 1832 to Dr. Hubbard Minor who, in 1836, added an ell to the rear of the home and a gable end shed roof.

During the American Civil War, the house was used by Colonel Walker of the Army of Northern Virginia as a headquarters during the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse in 1864.