Built about 1850 on part of original town lot #4, this house was the home of Bushrod Crawford, who operated a store there with his brother Absalom. In February of 1861, Bushrod Crawford ran against John Hughes for delegate to the State Convention in Richmond, Virginia; Bushrod favored secession, Hughes did not, and although Hughes was elected, he changed his mind at the convention and voted for secession. In July of 1861, Bushrod, Absalom, and their families fled south, as did many others in Beverly, leaving the store vacant for Federal occupation. While in Beverly in July of 1861, General McClellan made his headquarters here, and the telegraph office was moved to the building from the home of Bushrod's brother, Adam Crawford. Federal troops remained in Beverly throughout the war and continued to use the building as a headquarters.