The river appealed to settlers because its 45-foot rise in close proximity to navigable water each provided potential waterpower sites.

The mill, which was adjoined by a mill owned by Jacob Jones,[6] was in business for 36 years, ground wheat and corn into flour using power generated by the water turbines set in the fast-flowing river below.

[10] There has been a bridge crossing at this point since 1748, providing access to northeastern part of Yarmouth and to Freeport.

In 1911, Yarmouth Manufacturing Company's electric power plant was built on the site of James Craig's 18th-century sawmill.

Later businesses on this side included a fishing, hunting and camping equipment store and Industrial Wood Products.

The bridge's deck and superstructure were described by the State of Maine's Department of Transport in 2021 as being "level 4 - poor condition (advanced deterioration).