Martin Luther Marsh (1831-1911) immigrated to California from Ohio during the Gold Rush. After an attempt at mining, returned to his former trade of carpentry. He later became involved with sawmill operations and the construction of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad between Nevada City and Colfax.

Virtually unaltered since its construction in 1873, the Marsh House is an exceptionally well preserved example of mid-18th century American architectural values.

Primarily of Georgian derivation With its symmetrical facade, simulated masonry quoins, and shuttered, double-hung windows capped by small triangular pediments, the building is a composition of architectural refinement and restraint more characteristic of earlier buildings of the East rather than the emerging flambouyant eclecticism of California's growing urban centers of the period.

The overall design of the house closely compares with a plan in The Model Architect, a book by architect Samuel Sloan published in 1852.

The Marsh House remained in the family until 1974, just over a century. It is still a private residence.

Excerpted from the NRHP nomination.