The Chelsea Parade Historic District encompasses a predominantly residential area north of downtown Norwich.

[1] Norwich's first area of settlement was Norwichtown near the Yantic River, but it quickly developed a commercial port called Chelsea Landing further south, where the Yantic and Shetucket Rivers meet to form the Thames.

It continued to be a fashionable address through the 19th century, as the city's business shifted from maritime commerce to textiles and other manufacturing, powered by the nearby rivers.

[2] The historic district is roughly in the shape of a teardrop, with Washington Street and Broadway, the roads flanking Chelsea Parade, as its principal thoroughfares.

Other notable buildings include the Park Congregational Church (UCC), and St. Patrick Cathedral.