It is ranged along Rope Ferry Road, near granite quarries that were once a major industry in the town.

Most of the 31 historical buildings in the district are plain residences occupied by quarry workers; also included are the c. 1878 Graniteville School at 239 Rope Ferry Road, and the house of John Palmer, one of the proprietors of the quarries, at 218 Rope Ferry Road.

Granite quarrying became a larger business in the 19th century, and was the town's largest non-agricultural industry.

Two of these are abandoned quarries, located west and northwest of the built village.

The Graniteville School is also Italianate, and there are several example of Carpenter Gothic architecture, including in the barn at 227 Rope Ferry Road.