Its central business district encompasses many of the town's historic resources, and its most significant commercial and civic architecture.

The district, which includes more than 130 resource over 85 acres (34 ha), was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

The Franklin County Courthouse lies one block north of this intersection, between Church and Anson Streets, and is one of several buildings designed by noted Maine architect George Coombs.

Notable civic buildings in the district, besides the county courts, include town hall and the Cutler Memorial Library, a Beaux Arts structure built in early 20th century.

[2] "Fewacres", the home of noted juvenile fiction writer Jacob Abbott, was originally part of the district, but was demolished c. 2010.