The home was built in 1906-1907 by former South Dakota Governor Robert Vessey and his wife.

He served as Governor from 1909-1913.

He was the first governor to proclaim the observance of Mother's Day in South Dakota by issuing a proclamation on April 9, 1909 .

He oversaw the construction of the present capital building as Governor, making him the first Governor to hold an office in the building.