The cabin was built in the 1850s to house Japanese and Chinese fishermen. Shore whaling was conducted here by the Carmel Whaling Company from 1862 to 1884 and by the Japanese Whaling Company from 1898 to 1900. The building now houses a museum dedicated to cultural history of the area. The museum also highlights the history of Point Lobos, including its cinematic appearances and plans at the turn of the 20th century to develop the area for densely packed suburban housing. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.