Sharing the same name as the historic district in Rhode Island, the Harrisville Historic District has played a large part in the development of the state. It was once a New England mill village that is composed of 200 acres with 135 well preserved structures.

The first structure built in the area was for a saw and grist mill erected in 1774. A series of other constructions happened in and around the site continuously, allowing the area grow and prosper. It manufactured saw, grist, and then wool and cloth later on. The site was also home to the last remaining operational textile mill in the region, Cheshire Mill No. 1.

Today, the site is a National Historic Landmark and is continuously being preserved by groups concerned with the area?s historical and industrial significance.