The small village of Mechanicsville once surrounded this covered bridge. Mechanicsville was a bustling village during the 1800's. There was 2 sawmills and a gristmill located along the Grand River. The mills were the focal point of the village and the main industry. The population began to diminish after the mills burnt down. Mechanicsville was basically a ghost town by the early 1900's. Today, only this covered bridge, a tavern, and several abandoned houses remain.