The Main St Bridge was originally built by Chester County in 1846. It has been structurally reinforced and changed since that time. It is now named the Martin Luther King Bridge in honor of this respected civil rights leader. This is fitting because many African Americans and other religious minorities crossed the bridge to their homes on the north side of French Creek.
By the late 19th century, the company encompassed over 50 acres from the Foundry to the Mont Clare Bridge, leading to Montgomery County. The company was incorporated in 1855, and the Phoenix Bridge Company was set up as a division of the company in 1864. By the 1850’s the company had over 1,200 employees.