In the late 1600s, the French built a fort in the Port Huron area. A handful of settlers lived in the area by the late 1700s. By mid-1800s, the Olde Town area had its streets platted. The oldest homes in the neighborhood date back to 1850. There are layers of Victorian architectural styles here. This area was built with high style and working class homes, a highly respectable neighborhood. There are seven churches in the area. By the 1980s, the area had declined due to gangs, crime, and neglect. Then things began to change. A national trend to restore historic neighborhoods started to gain momentum. The Olde Town Association was founded to combat crime. The Victorian Inn was founded in the area, an elegant restaurant/pub. Each Christmas there are Olde Town Historic Church Tours. In 1997, the Court Street Restoration Project began, followed by the Union & Wall Street Restoration Project in 2001. The Olde Town Historic District was also founded in 2001. Historic designation has given neighborhood pride, community recognition, and tax breaks to maintain properties. Olde Town is a unique neighborhood with irreplaceable architecture and an interesting history. Rebirth of this neighborhood required the vision, determination, and hard work of its urban pioneers. Its revival is a shining example for other older Port Huron neighborhoods.