Elam Brown, founder of Lafayette, built his principal home in this vicinity in 1858. Known as “Squire” Brown, he purchased Rancho Acalanes in 1847, where he raised cattle and grain and served as the area's miller. He became alcalde of the district, was a member of the State Constitutional Convention, and served as a State Assemblyman in California's first two legislatures. Brown died in this house on August 10, 1889, at the age of 92.