The Mansion was built before 1780 by John Carter and his son Landon. John Carter was chairman of the Watauga Association, a court of five men elected by the settlers of the Watauga Count in May 1772 to govern and direct for the common good of all the people. Carter County is named for Landon, and Elizabethton is named for his wife, Elizabeth MacLin. The family cemetery is located to the east of the house.