Built in 1956, it was the home of African American civil rights activist Medgar Evers (1925–1963) at the time of his assassination.

The house is on the north side of Margaret Walker Alexander Drive, a few doors east of its junction with Missouri Street.

They chose this house in part for features that improved its security: it was not on a corner lot, and its entrance under the carport provided better cover than a front door would.

Arriving home around midnight, Evers, standing in the carport, was shot by Byron de la Beckwith, using a sniper rifle, from an undeveloped lot about 200 feet (61 m) away.

The bullet passed through the house's picture window, and through the wall between the living room and kitchen before coming to rest.