The first commercial development in the town came in 1836, when the Belvidere House opened at the corner of State Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Belvidere was a popular stop on the stagecoach line between Chicago and Galena, and the hotel accommodated travelers.

The buildings constructed along the corridor included the town's largest theater and ten automobile-related businesses.

The Longcor Block and the Ransom Building reflect later trends in Italianate style, including metal cornices.

The district also includes one block of Lincoln Avenue on either side of North State Street.