The history of this hotel goes back before its construction, to c. 1825, when John Hickman, Jr. established the first modern inn at the "Corner" in Dorchester. The "Corner" has been viewed as a key turning point in the transition from traditional inns to five-star hotels in the Westmorland County region. John's daughter, Mary Hickman, continued her father's business. Joined by her husband, William Weldon, and their sons, Mary ran several hotels in Westmorland County, with this specific hotel being erected during the 1840s.

Its symmetrical form, central entrance, and regular fenestration all mark this building as an example of the Classical Revival style. The lateral gabled roof features four dormers as well as wide, returned eaves. An unusual feature of the design is the inclusion of tamarack ship knees, which are usually used to brace boats. This design element likely comes from the ship builders who aided in the building process. The hotel featured a bar that was known for its high quality. By 1864, the square of land around the hotel had no less than eleven shiretown offices for lawyers and almost as many taverns, resulting in the square being nicknamed the "Devil’s Half Acre".

In later years, a renovation was carried out by the Westmorland Historical Society with the help of Dorchester Penitentiary inmates. Once the hotel closed down, the building was used as a Payzant and Card retail store for some time. It is currently the home of the Dorchester Memorial Public Library.