Developed between about 1890 and 1945, its architecture encapsulates the town's transition from a main agrarian community to a modern suburb.

The economy benefited to some extent from industry powered by the waters of the Hockanum River, which roughly bisects the town.

Growth was significantly spurred by completion of the Bulkeley Bridge across the Connecticut River.

[2] The historic section of the downtown contains surviving architecture from the early 19th century forward.

One of its 31 contributing buildings is the St. John's Episcopal Church, which is individually listed on the National Register; it is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture built in 1867.