In 1888, twenty-nine year old Dartmouth graduate Winthrop Bartlett Presby came to Goldendale and soon after began the study of law under Judge Ralph "Oregon" Dunbar. During this time he assisted with the drafting of the Washington State Constitution. In his lifetime, Presby was mayor of Goldendale, a U.S. Land Commissioner and a member of the Washington State Senate.

In 1902, he contracted with Pierce Bros. carpenters to build the house at an estimated cost of $8000. The house boasts twenty rooms on three floors. The main floor features four fireplaces with ornately carved wood mantels, inlaid with ceramic tile. Today, it is the home of the Klickitat County Historical Museum. The museum features household items including a large coffee mill collection. There is also a research library and gift shop.

There are many Historic Houses preserved in all regions of Washington.