The Shutt House was built prior to 1859, the house was rented to lawyer George Shutt in 1860. This young lawyer was active in politics of the Democratic party, unlike most of Abraham Lincoln's politically active neighbors. Shutt supported Stephen A. Douglas in the presidential Campaign of 1860.

The house is owned by the National Park Service. Sen. Durbin of Illinois has rented office space here since he was a member of the House of Representatives.