One of Nauvoo’s best-preserved historic homes, the ESH was constructed in the Federalist style by William Mendenhall, a master brick mason. It was built for Ellis Mendenhall Sanders and his wife, Rachel Broom Roberts - a great-granddaughter of a signer of the United States Constitution. Being one of the larger homes of the day, the house was a frequent site of LDS Church meetings and gatherings. Construction started in 1843 and the Sanders moved into the house on July 15, 1845. They lived there for only ten months before moving West with the Mormon saints. The Sanders paid $2,500 to build their home, but sold it for only $525.00 to Lucy Field. Ellis Sanders was fortunate however to receive even this amount, as many of the departing Mormon pioneers were unable to sell their properties for any price.

In 1855, the ESH was sold to Amanda Morrill, one of Nauvoo’s earliest settlers. Amanda’s husband, Milton M. Morrill (whose ancestors came to America on the Mayflower), served as mayor of Nauvoo for five terms of office. He was also a close associate of Abraham Lincoln. As author of the Morrill Land Grant Act, he laid the foundation for many state universities throughout the country. The Morrills reared seven children the ESH, and Amanda lived there well into her 90s. After the Morrills, the ESH had a series of owners. In 1959, Harold E. McCormick bought the house and filled it with wonderful antiques, returning it to some of its historical flavor.

In 1981, Richard and Cheryl Shanks acquired the ESH at public auction and lived in the house for 22 years, rearing their two children here. In 2003, the Shanks sold this historic home to its present owners, David and Diane Owen. The Owens share an interesting historical past with many of the previous owners: Diane’s ancestor Captain William Bradford came to America on the Mayflower (with Milton Morrill's ancestors); and David’s relative Stephen Hopkins was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Diane’s great-grandfather Joshua Davis was also an early Mormon saint who lived in Nauvoo from 1841 to 1846 and who, like Ellis Sanders, left Nauvoo to journey West.

The ESH was opened as a Bed and Breakfast on July 15, 2003, the anniversary date when Ellis Sanders and his family moved into the gracious brick home in 1845. The Owens have uncovered and restored many of the original appointments of the house and grounds. From the Owens' experiences living and traveling abroad, they have filled the house with antiques and furnishings reflecting the charm and beauty of its nineteenth-century heritage.

With its unparalleled tranquil location, historic and patriotic heritage, and recently restored elegance, the ESH is the perfect accommodation while exploring the sights and activities of beautiful Nauvoo.