[1] Burnett's Corner grew up in the 18th and 19th centuries as a crossroads village and stagecoach stop on the Post Road that connected New York City and Boston.

It takes its name from Richard Burnett (1801–1890), a former sea captain who operated the Pequot Hotel as an overnight stop on the Post Road.

Burnett's Corner was bypassed by the railroad that was built through the area in 1858 and that largely replaced stagecoach travel.

After the Gold Star Highway was built through the area in the 1930s, Burnett's Corner took on the function of a suburban community, housing people who commute to work by automobile.

The Greek Revival-style Pequot Hotel, built in about 1842, is prominently located in the center of the district.