The dam is a contributing property of the "Schuylkill Navigation Canal, Oakes Reach Section" registered historic district.

In 1828 a lock was added to the right side of the dam as part of the Chester County Canal addition to the Navigation, which provided water power and later transport to Phoenixville.

In 1902 three hydroelectric generators were added to the forebay by the Reading Traction Company to power a local trolley.

In 2008, as part of a project to restore the migratory American shad to the Schuylkill, a fish ladder was added to the dam on the Chester County side.

[3][4] During construction, remnants of the Chester County Canal feeder lock were uncovered and documented by an archeologist.