Alexander Campbell lived here as the leading influence in America's largest indigenous religious movement, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and as founder of Bethany College. The building was constructed in four periods: the John Brown Mansion, completed in 1793; Buffalo Seminary, in 1819; a brick dining wing, in 1836; and "Stranger's Hall," in 1840. Among the famous American guests were Calhoun, Clay, Webster, Davis, and Garfield.