The Markham House was built in the 1860's and was originally located at 432 South Eighth Street on the San José State University grounds. This Greek Revival home was the residence of the poet Edwin Markham, author of the "Man with a Hoe." Markham's mother purchased the home in the 1870's to be near her son while he studied at San  José Normal School. Markham made the house his principal residence until 1889.

The structure was purchased by the Edwin Markham Landmark Association and in the 1920's was used by the University as the health cottage (infirmary). For twenty years before it was moved to History Park in 1987, it served as the home of the San José Center for Poetry and Literature . 

In March 2002, the San José Center for Poetry and Literature (SJCPL) returned to the Markham House. The house is used as a writing resource center, offing workshops, open readings, children's writing activities and a library. Downstairs contains an exhibit of Edwin Markham memorabilia, and the second floor is used by the poetry organization for offices.