America's last public poled ferry has closed. Virginia
After 155 years, the Hatton Ferry is being decommissioned
The Hatton Ferry, America's last public, poled ferry, is set to be decommisioned after its operators say it has become a "liability" that costs too much to maintain.
Feb 3, 2025
The Hatton Ferry, which for 155 years has carried passengers across the James River between Albemarle and Buckingham counties, appears to be consigned to the pages of history after its current operator, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, voted last month to decommission it.
"It's a liability," Ted Coates, who sits on the society's board, told The Daily Progress. "There's just no way we should be doing this."
Since 1870, the ferry has traversed the James about 3 miles upriver from the town of Scottsville. In recent years, powered only by river current and a pole-toting ferryman, the boat would carry passengers and vehicles on warm weather weekends, typically from mid-April to the end of October. While originally a toll operation, the most recent passage was free of charge, with donations accepted.
Coates said that the existing vessel, a barge built for painting bridges, is often unable to traverse the river due to unnavigably low or dangerously high water. He said the ferry operated just 16 days last year, but its safety issues persist year-round.
https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/history/after-155-years-the-hatton-ferry-is-being-decommissioned/article_a8d93b88-dcff-11ef-a045-8b5ba88f24a0.html