1767 - First Bridge From Biddeford to Factory Island

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The first bridge on the west side of Indian island into Biddeford was erected by Col Cutts, deacon Chase, Thomas Gillpatric Jr, and Benjamin, Nason in 1767.

Indian Island is now known as Factory Island. 

The next year, the General Court passed an act that made the bride a toll bridge.

Col Tyng, who owned the ferry way on the west side, strongly opposed the bridge's construction, but the inhabitants of both towns saw it a valueable improvement, and highly applauded the enterprising proprietors, even after the toll was put in place.

The bridge was commonly known as Cutt's Bridge, as shortly after construction Cutts bought out his financiers.

The bridge was washed out in 1785, but another was installed by Col. Cutts in the same place, which is where York Bridge now spans the river.  That bridge survived into the late 1800's, when it was replaced by a concrete and steel bridge, which lasted until the 1990's, when it was again replaced by the bridge that stands now (2004).