The Old Oroville Commercial District was the hub of commerce and entertainment during the 1856-1912 period. Montgomery Street was the town's main thoroughfare, and Miners Alley was the focal point for high living, gambling and general rascality.

The district contains sixteen commercial buildings dating from the 1856-1912 period. These buildings are located on streets and blocks officially laid out in 1855 and since unchanged. All of the structures within the district's boundaries contribute to the character of the district. No nonconforming intrusions detract from the district's integrity.

Most of the buildings were originally one story brick structures with the simple façades, large iron doors and wood trim typical of Gold Rush architecture. In the 1870's and again in the early 1900's, second floors were added to several of the buildings. Some brick façades were also replaced during the 1880-1910 period with cast iron façades and large storefront windows.

Although several of the buildings have been altered and all of the porticoes that originally covered the sidewalks have been removed since 1912, all structures within the district retain the scale, basic materials and general feeling that existed at the beginning of the 20th century.

Excerpted from the NRHP Nomination.