The oldest building from this period, the Mermaid House Hotel, is a Federal structure dating to 1830. The city received an influx of German immigrants from the 1830s onward, which affected the city's development. In the 1850s and 1860s, a railroad opened in the city and several local industries developed; however, the city retained the character of a small college town and never developed into an industrial or trade center.
The earliest surviving structure from this era, the Mermaid House Hotel, is a Federal building dating back to 1830. The city experienced an influx of German immigrants starting in the 1830s, which impacted its growth. In the 1850s and 1860s, a railroad was established in the city, leading to the development of several local industries; however, the city maintained its character as a small college town and never transformed into a major industrial or commercial hub.