Downtown Main Street Historic District

The Downtown Main Street Historic District is a neighborhood with commercial and residential buildings stretching along Main Street between Burnside Avenue and Governor Street. The collection shows a mix from different time periods and building styles.

The area began in the 1600s as an important road between Hartford and eastern communities. By the late 1800s it had transformed from farmland into an urban center with shops and residences.

The buildings display architectural styles from the Federal period through Gothic Revival, reflecting changing tastes across generations. As you walk through, you notice how older and newer structures sit side by side, showing how the community developed over time.

The district is easily reached by bus or on foot and visits are best during daytime when shops and sights are open. Guided walking tours of the historic buildings are available through local organizations.

Wells Hall was built in 1832 as a private academy and now serves as the town hall. The building shows how the role of structures can change over time to meet community needs.