[4] In 1746, a ferry was established to carry traffic over the Saugatuck River near Westport, and around 1807 it was replaced by the first bridge as part of the old Connecticut Turnpike.

Union Bridge Company, a leading but short-lived pioneer in swing bridge construction, was the only company to submit a bid for the job.

[2] The movable bridge allows waterborne traffic to easily pass, which was crucial to the area's economy at the time.

Both spans are pin-connected Pratt through truss designs made of wrought iron.

The bridge is also noted as being of significant importance in the historical development of the town of Westport in the 19th century, particularly in the area of maritime commerce.