The village took shape around the turn of the 19th century as several mills constructed along Mill Creek and Patterson Creek brought commerce to the region. The Burlington Post Office was established on September 24, 1827. (It was closed from 1844-1853 and from 1860-1867). The construction of the Northwestern Turnpike through Burlington in 1831 helped to further its development into a regional center for commerce. Many of the houses admired for their architecture in the village today were constructed in the first half of the 19th century during this time of economic prosperity. One of the oldest houses in Burlington, the Homestead, was built as a tavern to service the stage coach traffic which came through the village along the turnpike. Constructed by John and Ruth Ann Vandiver, the Homestead continued to serve as an inn and restaurant well into the mid-twentieth century.