Murray Hill and Thornton Avenue Historic District

Begun in the 1840s and developed primarily between 1937 and 1941 when the local textile and chenille bedspread industry was growing, the Murray Hill-Thornton Avenue District has a wide range of building styles. The predominant exterior materials are brick and clapboard in traditional styles, such as Queen Anne, Tudor and Colonial Revival. This district is an excellent example of a historic resource that has character and a distinct "neighborhood feel" with mature landscaping and diverse neighbors.

The City of Dalton has been very insightful in encouraging the preservation of such resources and affording protection for property owners. The area was accepted for placement on the National Historic Places Register as a district in 1991. The Dalton Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recommended the area for inclusion in the Local Historic District designation and it was so designated in 1996. Such designations provide protection for the area, maintaining its character and discouraging development that would adversely affect the area. The designation also offers property tax freezes and federal investment tax credit to property owners to encourage renovation.