This area is believed to have been the site of a fish weir used by Native Americans and Colonists until 1687, when all weirs along the river were ordered removed, except for one at the wadding place on East Main Street.

    In Colonial Days the taking of Herring was a privilege regulated by the Board of Selectmen. The fish were mainly used for fertilizer, and in 1707 taking of fish was limited to one fish per hill of corn planted. An incentive to promote agriculture. Later in that century taking of fish was restricted to three sites: Muttock (Oliver Mill), the Lower Factory on East Main Street, and the Assawompsett Brook.

    In 1762 a dam was built across the Nemasket River at this spot, which became known as the Upper or New Factory Site. The dam powered a forge, gristmill, and shovel works. All were required by law to maintain a free passage for the migration of fish. Industrial operations on the site eventually included a cotton manufactory, sawmill, and box factory. Some remained active until early 1900.

    A new fish ladder was built in 1867 with the reconstruction of Wareham Street Bridge. The ladder has been replaced several times since most recently in 1996 when it was widened and deepened to help Middleborough's popular "tourists" move upstream to the Assawompsett Ponds Complex in Lakeville each spring.