The house was built by, and is significant for its association with, John B. Peyton (1797-1868), an early surveyor and settler of central Mississippi.

According to the NRHP nomination for the property,In 1829, Peyton cast the deciding vote that kept the state capital from being moved to the town of Clinton and was challenged to a duel by Judge Isaac Caldwellof that community.

No real damage resulted in the exchange of fire, but Caldwell was grazed by the ball from Peyton's rifle.

The house has been modified somewhat from its historic form, including by adding a central window in the gable.

An order of Major General Ulysses S. Grant released the livestock, perhaps due to Peyton "being a strong Union man".