It was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe in 1803, completed in 1822, and is a fine example of Federal period architecture.

In an attempt to rebuild a building that would be compatible with that of Princeton University, Judge Brackenridge went to Philadelphia to consult Benjamin Latrobe, who had remodeled Princeton's Nassau Hall and had completed extensive design work on the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Latrobe was a willing contributor to the new design of West College.

In a letter dated May 18, 1803, a copy of which may be seen in the Dickinson archives, Benjamin Henry Latrobe replies to Judge Brackenridge's request for drawings in great detail.

Latrobe addresses the aspect of weather in Carlisle because of the extreme temperatures and amounts of moisture it acquires annually in the winter months.

Memorial Hall in particular is the home of various distinguished speakers, cultural symposiums, and mass every Sunday night.