Stretched linearly along Vermont Route 110, the largely agricultural village reached its peak population around 1820, and was bypassed by the railroads, limiting later development.

[1] The main village of Tunbridge (chartered 1761) was settled in the 1780s, beginning with the construction of a sawmill and gristmill on the banks of the First Branch White River in 1785.

The village was bypassed during the construction of railroads during the 19th century, but was able to maintain an agricultural economy due to its relative proximity to the station in nearby Royalton.

[2] The historic district, which covers most of the village, extends mainly along Vermont 110, the principal artery along the First Branch White River.

The fairgrounds are located on the west side of Vermont 110, where a bend in the river is not matched by the roadway.