 The district is essentially linear in character extending along East Main Street between Rocky Neck Avenue and Montgomery Place, with a southward extension along Highland, Chapel, and Plum Streets to Mount Pleasant Avenue.East Main Street was formally laid out in 1704 to East Gloucester Square (its junction with Highland Street), and provides access to numerous waterfront facilities, including stone wharves and 19th century ship building and repair facilities.Housing is set on the roads leading up the hill from East Gloucester Square, and is generally densely set Greek Revival or Italianate in style, reflecting the dominant period of the area's development, the mid-to-late 19th century.