It historically had two principal villages, the southern one located near the banks of the Pequabuck River, where early industrial activity developed.

The city center arose on the north side of the river in the pre-Civil War 19th century, when the town became America's leading manufacturer of clocks.

Main Street was laid out in 1826, through the efforts of Chauncey Jerome, owner of an early clock factory, and the river crossing spurred additional industrial development along the river.

All of Bristol's early banks were located here, and its old town hall still stands here as well.

Most of the district buildings are either brick or masonry in construction, and range in height from two to four stories.