Built in 1843, it is a prominent precursor to the region's later grand resort hotels, and a distinctive example of Greek Revival architecture with a monumental temple front.

Thayer's Hotel is located in Littleton's downtown central business district, on the south side of Main Street near the post office.

The roof's front gable is fully pedimented, and projects beyond the building face, supported by massive three-story fluted Doric columns.

Behind this portico, the facade is five bays wide, with doorways at the center of each level, those on the upper floors opening onto balconies supported by elaborate carved brackets.

It has served as a backdrop for political rallies dating from the Civil War to the late 20th century, and parts of its architecture were sought by Henry Ford for his museum of Americana in the 1930s.