Built originally in 1865 at Old Washoe City, the Historic James Doane Roberts House was eventually relocated to its present site at Carson City in 1872. James was one of the well-known owners of the Roberts & Corbett Saloon, which was located across the V and T Depot. His spouse, Hattie, also came from a prominent background. Hattie was the granddaughter of Virginia City?s Calvin Hale, who built the Hale & Norcross Mine, and a direct descendant as well of famed patriot Nathan Hale, who used to work for the State of Nevada at one point in his illustrious career.

Today, the historic house is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival homes in the state. When the Public Works Department declared its intention to raze the property in order to make way for a small park, local citizens banded together with the Nevada Landmark Society (now known as the Carson City Historical Society) to save the house and restore it to its former glory. Today, the historical house is open to public viewing but only on a per-appointment basis.