Located in what is now the city of Mendota, the site consists of four limestone buildings and a large lawn area.

The Sibley House, considered the oldest private residence in Minnesota, was built between 1835 and 1836 by a team of over 100 white and Dakota laborers, directed by John Mueller.

[2] When General Sibley moved to 417 Woodward Street,[3] St. Paul in 1862, he sold his home to St. Peter's Catholic Parish.

The Catholic Sisters used the home for a school and convent from 1867 to 1878, adding a belfry on the roof and remodeling the interior.

For the next few decades, the house was leased to different parties, including the artist Burt Harwood, as a studio and art school during the summers of 1897 to 1899.

On April 19, 1910, the house was rescued from ruin by a joint effort from the St. Paul chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Mrs. Lucy Shepard McCourt, and Archbishop John Ireland of St. Peter's Parish.

In 1934, the State Highway Department began the restoration of the Faribault House through a Public Works Administration project.