 The mill properties were taken over by the Dawson family, and other industrial operations began in the second half of the 19th century.Businesses in the area were ultimately harmed and failed by the lack of adequate railroad connections.The historic district is essentially linear in shape, extending along both sides of the Weekeepeemee River, with Washington Road (Connecticut Route 47) the main route on the east side, and Westwood Road on the west side.