In 1845 citizens of Little Britain and Colerain Township petitioned for a bridge at the road from Oak Hill to Union Meeting house. The courts agreed that a bridge at this location was necessary for the accommodation of the public, and the first bridge was completed in the winter of 1847 by Joseph Russell. It was swept away in June 1858 by a storm that damaged many mill properties. Heavy rains began on the night of June 25, 1884, and the Octoraro Creek became a roaring river higher than was ever known. The bridge at White Rock Forge, described as one of the finest bridges around, was quickly swept away again. Nearby citizens rallied to build a makeshift crossing by gathering timbers from the old bridge that were swept downstream. They worked together and built a substantial temporary bridge for only 47 cents, the amount paid for the nails. Elias McMellen rebuilt this bridge in the weeks that followed for $2,495.