Old Forge Bridge, a three-arch bridge built by W. H. Eirely in 1863 at a cost of $2,800, was erected over a ford in Antietam Creek, and its east arch spans a path once used for cattle. During the late 18th century, a forge that was part of a large ironworks operation owned by the Hughes brothers operated on the north side of the bridge, and the two stone buildings on the south cliff date from that era. The Daniel Hughes house to the north is dated 1763, and later grist and sawmills operated at this site.
