Incorporated September 8, 1978. Settled in the early 1800's and known as Kincaid's Ferry prior to 1822, the present name for the town was derived from the wooden covered toll bridge built in that year as part of the James River and Kanawha Turnpike. Located at the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers, which converge to form the Great Kanawha, picturesque, and historic Gauley Bridge overlooks the large, lake-like pool formed by the falls of the Great Kanawha Valley just one mile downstream. During the Civil War, Gauley Bridge was captured and recaptured three times, during these actions wooden bridges across the mouth of the Gauley were burned twice.
On May 15, 1980, the old K&M Railway Station was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rehabilitation of the old depot began in August 1982 and was completed in time for Governor Rockefeller's dedication on February 14, 1984. The old depot houses Town Hall offices Council Chambers.
Population, 738; elevation, 680 feet; elections held every two years on the second Tuesday in June of odd numbered years.