The Old Kentucky River Toll Bridge was first surveyed in November 1897 and incorporated in November 1898. J.F. Jett, M.I. Barker, John J. Orr, and Martin L. Downs were instrumental in obtaining the bridge. The contract was let to the Indiana Bridge Company in July 1899, and the bridge was completed in 1900. In 1932, it was conveyed to the Commonwealth of Kentucky by the State Highway Commission.