When Centerville was platted in 1814, the original streets were 100 feet wide.  With the increased activity in town when it became the county seat in 1818, the width was decreased to 65 feet. Buildings with common walls were erected in front of original buildings. These original buildings could then be reached through the archways.

The five existing Archways are unusual in the interior of the United States. The Centerville Archways date from 1823 through 1836.  The Centerville Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.