The Main Avenue Historic District covers 340 acres and contains eighty-six contributing buildings built between 1875 and 1924 (source NRHP website).

The contributing buildings reflect the late 19th century and early 20th century history and architecture of the downtown area. Since its founding in the early 1880s, with the arrival of the railroad, Durango grew first as a mining supply and smelter center. It soon became a focal point for agriculture and logging in southwestern Colorado.

Notable buildings in the district include the 1887 Strater Hotel, the 1895 Palace Hotel, the 1897 Newman Building, and the 1902 General Palmer House.

Quoted from the History Colorado website.