The falls of the Ware River (south of this district) were an early site of industrial activity, but did not experience significant growth until the 19th century.

Large-scale development of the falls for textile production began in 1821, and including the platting of streets that make up what is now the town's commercial center.

As a result, the southern end of this district has a variety of housing which is mainly Greek Revival in character, that was built before about 1850.

[3] The upper stretch of Church Street remained largely agricultural until the 1880s, with four farmhouses surviving from that time.

The old Ware High School building was built in 1893, and Grenville Park was laid out in 1907 based on the design principles of Frederick Law Olmsted.