Nathaniel Reynolds was one of the original settlers of Bristol in 1680 when it was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His son Joseph built this house, and also operated a tannery and gristmill on his land. It was during the ownership of the house by his son Joseph II that the Marquis de Lafayette occupied the north parlor chamber. Lafayette was a general in the Continental Army and was responsible for the defense of Bristol and Warren from September 7 to 23, 1778 during failed military operations to drive the British from occupied Newport.