The basically linear district extends along Middletown Avenue from the village center at its southern end, to a point beyond its northern junction with Old Post Road.

The village center of Northford, now at the southern junction of Middletown Avenue and Old Post Road, grew around the colonial meeting house that was erected soon afterward.

It served primarily the local farming community, and also travelers along the post road; one of the oldest surviving buildings in the district is a tavern built in 1776.

These industrial efforts were largely run by members of the interrelated Maltby and Fowler families.

As a result, the district is architecturally diverse, with buildings dating from the 18th to the early 20th century.