The Stone House is an excellent example of Queen Anne architecture and one of a dozen or so buildings which form the core of Arcata's most important architectural district. Recognized in David Gebhard's Guide to Architecture in San Francisco and Northern California (1973), the Stone House and its counterpart on the opposite corner of the block are two of the best examples of Queen Anne architecture in Arcata, both retaining a high degree of architectural and historic integrity.

The Stone House was built in 1888 at the height of the five year period from 1884 through 1888 which saw the construction of Arcata's "fanciest" buildings. St. Mary's Catholic Church (1884); the Pythian Castle (1885); the Schorlig House (1885); the Lord House (1886); the Falk House (1887) which was torn down some years ago; and in 1888, the Frank Graham House, and the Jackson and Stone Houses, and the Bair House, described by Gebhard as a "must" for those fascinated by Victorian architecture.

Prosperity in the lumber industry coincided with Victorian styles, which arrived somewhat late on the north coast, to produce these fine buildings, reflective of the period and strong reminders to present Arcatans of their community's heritage.

The Stone House was built by the town's first banker, Wesley Whipple Stone, who came to Arcata in 1886 to open the Bank of Arcata. A native of Ohio, Stone served in the Union army during the Civil War. A brother Charles B. Stone and a sister Mrs. Thomas Bair also came to Arcata, perhaps, on the advice of their uncle, Col. Stephan G. Whipple who had served as northern California Indian Agent in 1855 and later as commander of Fort Humboldt.

Excerpted from the NRHP Nomination.