Edward Brimskill built this structure between 1849 and 1851, with the rear section completed in 1849. Its iron shutters, imported from Scotland, protected it from fire and robbers. In its early days it served as a general store and miners supply, and Wells Fargo maintained desk room here for many years and shipped thousands of dollars of gold from here. It is one of the best preserved buildings in California from the gold rush era and is said to be the oldest building in Nevada County.