[1] The district encompasses most of the historic village of Hotchkissville, which is centered at the junction of Washington and Weekeepeemee roads.

The village began as a dispersed rural agricultural community, but developed in the 19th century with the arrival of industry, primarily the manufacture of textiles.

Early industrial activity on the Weekeepeemee River consisted of sawmills and gristmills, some operated by owners whose houses still stand in the district.

The Hotchkiss manufacturing enterprise grew through the first half of the 19th century, building worker house and a mill office, and expanding by the acquisition of other water privileges on the river.

Most of the buildings in the district are of either Federal or Greek Revival style, or have relatively modest later Victorian stylistic elements.