Civilian-run businesses began to appear near the fort [Fort Verde] in the early 1870s, the beginning of today's Main Street. The earliest such enterprise was the Army sutler or post trader. A "sutler" is described as a civilian who sold small wares and eatables to soldiers. Sutler's Store or the Wingfield building is the oldest known civilian operated business, better known in recent years as the Branding Iron or Carol's Coffee Cup restaurants. The complex grew in the early 1900s, adding both a mercantile and state bank.

Across the street was the stage stop, an adobe, side-gabled edifice, that expanded into a boarding house/hotel also built in the 1870s. Today it is the popular White Hills Indian Arts Trading Post.

Main Street could very well have gone along Hollamon Street, according to Camp Verde Historical Society President Bill Cowan. A saloon named the Red Star faced Hollamon, the same side as Fort Verde. Another historian noted the Red Star at one time even had a life as a brothel.

The Red Star would eventually become the Montezuma Inn, front Main Street and be used for lodging, meals and later a bus station. Along with its lively business career, it underwent many cosmetic changes.

In the 1870s the U.S. Cavalry soldiers stationed at Fort Lincoln abandoned their mosquito-infested malarial-swamp location next to the Verde River in favor of the high ground where the fort currently sits. The town of Camp Verde grew around the fort and the current uptown area now resides on that same high ground.

The old Wingfield building located in at 564 Main Street, downtown Camp Verde. The building was purchased by Robbie Allen who renovated while still maintaining the building's historical look. Today the Wingfield Plaza has various retail and antiques shops.