The downtown area which developed around Market Square was affected by fires in 1884 and 1902, which mainly resulted in the destruction of older wood-frame buildings.

The result is a cohesive collection of brick and masonry buildings generally between two and four stories in height, built with a variety of architectural styles popular at the time.

[2] The district is centered on the intersection of four roads just east of Pearce Brook, which snakes through the town, and a short way south of Interstate 95, the region's only highway.

Market Square, the western branch of the junction, is a broad open area with parking at its center, lined on the east and west with historical buildings.

These include the Mansur-designed fire station, and the Colonial Revival Elks Lodge, which anchors the eastern end of the district.