Crossing Through Time: A Visit to the Oldest Ferry in the United States
Have you ever wondered how people stayed connected in a world before massive steel bridges and paved highways? To find the answer, you have to travel to Rocky Hill, Connecticut, where history isn’t just found in books… it’s still floating on the water.
On a recent episode of Travel in Time with Dan, I took you to the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, the oldest continuously running ferry in the United States. Established in 1655, this ferry was operating long before the towns of Rocky Hill or Glastonbury even existed as they do today; back then, the area was simply known as Wethersfield.
The Original “Water Highway”
In the 1700s, the Connecticut River was the “water highway” or “superhighway” of the colonial era. Before the invention of cars and the construction of bridges, ferries were the vital links that connected communities. They allowed people, goods, and services to move back and forth, serving the same essential purpose that our modern infrastructure does today.
A Journey of Evolution
The ferry has seen a fascinating technological evolution over the last three centuries:
- The Early Days: It began as a simple raft moved by humans using long poles to push off the river bottom.
- Horse Power: Later, the ferry transitioned to horse-powered treadmills, where horses would walk on a treadmill to power the vessel across the river.
- The Industrial Revolution: Eventually, steam power took over, bringing a new level of efficiency to the crossing.
- Modern Day: Today, the ferry consists of a diesel tugboat named the Cumberland, which pushes a barge called the Hollister III. Despite its modern engine, it remains a charmingly small operation, with enough room for just three cars at a time.
More Than Just a Boat Ride
Today, the ferry is part of Route 160 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a favorite spot for tourists, walkers, and cyclists. In fact, for many years, this ferry was the only crossing for cyclists traveling between Hartford and Middletown, as other routes added substantial miles to their journey.
Visitors come to the area to:
- Enjoy picnics at the riverside tables.
- Watch water sports, like wave runners performing tricks on the river.
- Reflect and relax while taking in the tranquil views of the water.
- Experience “living history” by actually riding the ferry across the river.
The Leadership Lesson: The Power of Connection
Beyond the history and the machinery, there is a deeper leadership lesson: the fundamental human need for connection. Whether it’s a 17th-century raft or a 21st-century tugboat, technology evolves to enhance our ability to reach one another. Leadership, at its core, is about maintaining those connections.
Plan Your Visit
If you want to experience this piece of American history for yourself, keep these details in mind:
- Season: The ferry operates from April 1st through November 30th.
- Winter Access: Even when the ferry is closed for the season, the park remains a peaceful spot for a winter walk or a quiet moment to enjoy a cup of coffee or a hot chocolate by the water.
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is a reminder that while the world changes, the paths we build to reach each other remain as important as ever.
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
*Check out Dan’s book, “Travel in Time in Connecticut: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Time-Connecticut-Timeless-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CYM3WB22/
*Watch Dan’s YouTube video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryAieHxWjOU
Listen to Dan’s podcast on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3EAFR4EfnMIAor1aDoDtGD?si=H6jnsOh3S3WnrjtL6ziieQ
*See Dan’s Interview with 17th-Century Ferry Operator Samuel Welles: (coming soon)
*Learn more about Dan: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/