After the Texas annexation to the Union in 1845, the United States Army became a steady presence in what was then designated the Department of Texas,[2] providing a line of defense during both the 1846–1848 Mexican–American War, and the Texas–Indian wars that ended with the 1875 surrender of Comanche chief Quanah Parker at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

[6] The 10,830 square feet (1,000 m2), two-story house has eleven rooms, six full bathrooms and one half bath.

[FN 1] In various phases during the 20th century, improvements included an enclosed porch and upgrades to plumbing, electricity and air conditioning.

[11] The house has been referred to by its current name since John J. Pershing served as the base commanding officer in 1917, following his participation in the Pancho Villa Expedition.

She presented them as a gift to Fort Sam Houston, and they were kept up to date by succeeding residents at least through 1973 when the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places.