Originally called Coffee Creek and located a little to the south of the current downtown, the name was changed some time after the post office was established in 1833 to Calumet, the river to the north.

When the Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad came through the area in 1852, the town moved north to the current location and began to develop.

The 'N' rating signifies that the structure is above average and may, with further investigation be eligible for an individual listing.

The 'C' or contributing rating signifies that the structure meet the basic inventory qualifications, but fails to meet individual merit, but in combination with other closely placed similar structures warrants inclusion in an historic district.

Media related to Chesterton Commercial Historic District at Wikimedia Commons