The Durham Historic District encompasses a portion of the original historic settlement area of Durham, New Hampshire. It extends along Newmarket Road (New Hampshire Route 108) from its northern junction with Laurel Lane to a three-way junction with Main Street and Dover Road (the latter being the continuation of NH 108). From there it extends along Main Street to Madbury Road. This area, known in early colonial days as the Oyster River Plantation, for the Oyster River which bisects it, was first settled in 1649. It was developed in the 18th century as a significant shipbuilding center. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.