It encompasses the historic mid-to-late-19th century village center of the town, including the residential area north of Main Street, two 19th-century industrial complexes, and civic and institutional buildings.

[1] The area that is now Millis was settled by the English in the 1640s, and was for many years part of Medway before being separately incorporated in 1885.

The town was predominantly agrarian until the 1880s, when reliable rail service was introduced.

The district, 110 acres (45 ha) in size, includes civic, commercial, industrial and residential properties.

The oldest house, dating from the mid-18th century, is that of John Richardson, a typical Georgian colonial at 191 Curve Street.