During the 1860s, the 17 Mile House served as a rest stop for pioneers traveling along the Cherokee and Smoky Hill wagon trails. The property is one of the few remaining "mile houses" located along those historic routes, which were developed to facilitate the movement of gold seekers and settlers on horseback and wagons across the plains into Denver and the Rocky Mountains. The house was known as the 17 Mile House, since it was 17 miles from the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Broadway in Denver. Mile houses were located every two to three miles along the historic trails.