This view, from the Gambo Bridge facing south along the Presumpscot River, shows the edge of the original Gambo Dam running under the bridge to the Oriental Powder Mills's Stone Mill on the Windham, or eastern, side of the river. The building on the right, the Gorham side, was a water-powered mill of an unknown type. Workers used the two footbridges to cross the river via the narrow island.

The Oriental Powders Mills operated along the Presumpscot during the 19th century and into the early 20th century, and was known for manufacturing gunpowder. During the Civil War, the Mills produced 25 percent of the Union gunpowder.