The mansion was built by Christopher H. Smith, noted tobacco exporter and businessman, in 1859. The home reflects the style between Greek Revival and Italianate popular in the 1850s. It is believed that architect Adolphus Heiman designed the building. The mansion is significant because of its association with the pre-Civil War tobacco industry in
Clarksville. It features a unique "widow's walk" on the roof. In 1988 the mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.