These two Colonial Revival houses were built in 1898 as investment properties probably by Samuel Westheimer a St. Joseph merchant. He never lived in the homes. The first known resident in 1213 Charles was Banjamin Crosby, an assistant auditor for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, which had a major route between St. Joseph and Hannibal Missouri starting in 1883.

Cross Charles Street to find the Stigers Cottage on the southwest corner of 13th and Charles.