Bridgewater Township was set off from Hixon Township in 1832, and the remainder became Manchester Township in 1837. By 1850 the township had two settlements, River Raisin and Bridgewater, each with a railroad station and a post office, though the River Raisin community no longer exists. In 1856 the first town hall opened on this site and was also used for moral and scientific lectures and for funerals. The present hall was built in 1882 and has been in continuous use as the site of township meetings, elections and social functions.