It was here that the Congregation Church was located (current building dating to 1814), and a general store and other local services arose.

Cherry Brook was used as a power source for modestly scaled local enterprises, including sawmills and tanneries.

This rural center was eventually supplanted by Collinsville in the early 20th century as a more important commercial and civic hub, and development has consequently been limited since circa 1920.

Most of the buildings are wood frame residences, in Federal or Greek Revival styles, although there are a few examples of later Victorian architecture.

Major modern intrusions include a Jehovah's Witnesses hall and the 1941 Cherry Brook School.