The district covers an area of 180 acres (73 ha) and includes 190 contributing buildings and sites in the village center.

In addition to historical and architectural significance, the district is also noted for being the place where composer Carl Ruggles spent the later years of his life.

In the early 20th century, the village was an important industrial center with several mills and factories, many of which were washed away by flooding in 1927.

The village also has unusual sections of marble sidewalks, laid using stone from nearby quarries.

Vermont Route 7A is the main road through the village, leading north to Manchester and south to Bennington.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.7 sq mi (9.6 km2), all land.