In the 18th century early industry in the form of sawmills and gristmills developed on the Mill River.

The Taunton Green was given to the town in 1743 as a militia training ground, and it is also where an early meetinghouse was built.

[3] "Tauntonians" gathered on the Green on October 21, 1774, to raise the Taunton Flag with its distinctive "Liberty and Union" motto.

"[4][3] In July 2004, the historic Templar's Hall (c. 1850) and Cohannet Block (1870) (commonly referred to as the Seeley Building) located on the corner of Taunton Green and Weir Street were destroyed by an arsonist.

It excludes the Bristol County Courthouse Complex, which is located on the north side of the green.