Orford's seven Ridge houses were built over a period from 1773 to 1839 by the town's professional and business men. The Bulfinch-style house of John B. Wheeler, the southernmost in the row, was built in 1814-1816 and was designed by a Boston architect, probably Asher Benjamin, who was then an associate of Charles Bulfinch. Other Ridge houses also display Asher Benjamin influence.