The May Mills House is a significant example of a colonial revival design based on the federal architectural style. Colonial revival residences were popular in the early 20th century.

Seattle architect Clyde A. Maclaren designed this house for Miss May Mills who was a member of the most important business family in Sitka. She lived here from 1913 to 1938.

While Miss Mills apparently lived alone, she had many interests in the community and provided a home for orphaned children. As many as eight children lived here at one time.

Source: Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1978.