« Programs Home

Next event: Court Square Walking Tours Over for the Season

Hatton Ferry Rides


Location: outside of Scottsville on Route 625

Date: Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cost: Free


The Hatton Ferry will re-open for its 2011 season on Saturday, April 16th!

Take a ride on the Hatton Ferry, the last hand poled ferry still operating in the United States! A ride on the ferry is a unique opportunity to experience times past; ferries served Albemarle County from the mid-eighteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century, and provided a means by which European settlers could communicate with other settlers and establish commercial ventures. The ferry runs from mid-April to mid-October, water level permitting. Call ACHS (434) 296-1492 for more information.

Additional Info:
The Hatton Ferry is the last remaining hand poled ferry in the United States. It is interesting to note that five modes of transportation are represented at the Hatton Ferry, which is quite rare: travel by canal, ferry, railroad, river, and state highway. A river outfitter's shop is in the old store that was built in 1882 by the original ferry owner. Hurricane Agnes destroyed the ferry in 1972 and almost ended its service. An interested public led by the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society persuaded authorities to continue this historic ferry, and a new one was built by highway department staff. It was dedicated in September 1973 with the assistance of Richard Thomas, star of the TV series, "The Waltons". A record flood in 1985 sunk the new ferry boat, but the Virginia Department of Transportation replaced it with a metal one, launched in June 1986. The operator's building was renovated by the Society to appear as it may have in its early days.

Map:


View Larger Map


image

Richard "John Boy" Thomas, star of TV's "Walton's Mountain," enjoys ride on the Hatton Ferry, 1973.