Situated in the western part of Maysville, Kentucky, United States, the downtown is defined by a grid of streets laid out parallel to the northwest–southeast curve of the Ohio River.

[2] In 1982, when the National Register application was completed, the Maysville downtown contained 155 buildings, as well as one cemetery and notable street sculpture.

All buildings were structurally sound and together achieved a first floor occupancy rate of 98%.

The first appeared in the early 19th century, generally between 1825 and 1850, The two-to three-story brick residential building of this era display trabeated openings, crow-stepped gable ends and a simplicity of exterior detail.

The key elements of the type are the bracketed cornice, arched window cap and pilasters.