Since the founding of Fort Gay and Louisa in the first half of the 19th century, the only way to travel between the towns was by ferry. In 1904, the Louisa and Fort Gay Bridge company was created to build a toll bridge across the Tug and Levisa Forks. Built at a cost of $39,145, ground was broken for construction in May of 1905. When completed, the bridge was 1,115 feet long. It was unique in that it crossed two rivers, connected two states, and linked two towns. For decades, the bridge served patrons who paid a toll to cross before being replaced by the current structure.