Construction on The American Adventure pavilion began in early 1980 <ref name= "Martin"/>. The pavilion was designed by architect George Terpatsi, who wanted the exterior to resemble a Georgian mansion. The design also took inspiration from buildings in Williamsburg, Virginia, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Old State House in Boston, and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home <ref name= "Jack"/>.
The American Adventure pavilion opened on October 1, 1982. When the pavilion opened it was sponsored by Coca-Cola and American Express <ref name= "Martin"/>, and it featured the [[American Adventure (attractionAttraction)]], the American Gardens Theatre and the [[Liberty Inn]].
Since its opening, the American Adventure pavilion has seen a relatively few number of changes. The pavilion's attraction was updated in 1993, 1997 and again in 2018 <ref name= "Martin"/> <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/02/epcots-american-adventure-attraction-will-add-new-american-icons-this-month/ </ref>. Also in 1993, a small Victorian ship named the Golden Dream was docked on the pavilion's coastline <ref name= "Martin"/>. In November 1994, the American Gardens Theatre was partially enclosed for the debut of the Barbie's Birthday Party show<ref name= "Martin"/>. Original sponsor Cola-Cola ended its sponsorship in 1998, while sponsor American Express ended its sponsorship in 2002 <ref name= "Martin"/>. Finally, when the [[Liberty Inn]] initially opened it did not have walls or windows (although it did have a roof). Subsequently, the restaurant has been altered so that it is entirely indoors <ref name= "Martin"/>.