Ferry Site - Glastonbury--Rock Hill Ferry Historic District - Glastonbury CT
Posted by: 
nomadwillie
N 41° 39.935 W 072° 37.553
18T E 697651 N 4615371
The nation's oldest continuously operating ferry service crosses the Connecticut River between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury.
Waymark Code: WMVTN3
Location: Connecticut, United States
Date Posted: 05/25/2017
Views: 4
The nation's oldest continuously operating ferry service crosses the Connecticut River between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury.
The original ferry, which dates back to 1655, was a small raft pushed across the river using long poles. Under State charter, the ferry service was operated by local families throughout most of its existence. The ferry service was such a vital transportation link within the region that crossing would cease only during the most adverse conditions.
When river flood levels escalated, the ferry would use alternate landings such as the old coal dock in South Glastonbury, or the ferry operator would skid the craft across inundated meadows to an old dock near Tryon Street. Today the ferry is temporarily closed if the river reaches flood stage.
At one time, a horse on a treadmill in the center of the craft supplied the power to propel the craft across the river. In 1876, the ferry was "modernized" into a steam driven craft. Today's craft is an open flatboat named the "Hollister III". The three-car barge is towed back and forth by the "Cumberland".
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