It was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1979, with 190 buildings and 60 acres (24 ha).

Benedict Arnold led British forces through New London in 1781, burning much of the city to the ground during the American Revolutionary War.

The waterfront was subsequently rebuilt and the roadway was raised to accommodate additional development and larger ships.

It was laid out officially in 1787, and many of the buildings in this neighborhood date from 1760 to 1792 and survived the torch of Benedict Arnold.

The New London Railroad Station is also within the physical confines of the district, but not part of it; it is separately listed on the NRHP like the Courthouse, Customhouse, and Public Library.