This area was developed as a residential district beginning in 1850, and includes a significant number of well-preserved Italianate and Gothic Revival houses.

[2] Laurel Hill is located south of downtown Norwich, separated from it by the Shetucket River.

In 1850, a consortium of developers led by Henry Bill purchased most of the land in the area, laid out Laurel Hill Avenue, and began promoting it as a residential suburban area in the country style advocated by Andrew Jackson Downing.

Early construction, near the Shetucket River, consisted of large and handsomely landscaped lots.

The area experienced significant growth due to a business boom caused by the American Civil War, which continued into the post-war years.