River Crossing Marker

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Shepherdstown in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

River Crossing

By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

1. River Crossing Marker

Inscription. Shepherdstown was established near a natural ford used by American Indians and early settlers to cross the Potomac River. A ferry service, begun in 1775, reliably connected Shepherdstown with communities throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania for almost one hundred years.

Today, nothing remains of the ferry service and stone pilings - island sanctuaries to plant and wildlife - are reminders of many subsequent bridge-building efforts. The present Rumsey Bridge was completed in 2006.

From this location you can see Ferry Hill Plantation, built by John Blackford sometime after the War of 1812. Two of Blackford's slaves ran the ferry beginning in 1816.

Erected by Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park - National Park Service - Department of the Interior.

Location. 39° 26.152′ N, 77° 48.189′ W. Marker is in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is on North Duke Street / Shepherdstown Pike (State Highway 480), on the right when traveling north. Click for map. Located on an overlook of the Potomac River, next to the Rumsey Bridge. Marker is in this post office area: Shepherdstown WV 25443, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The James Rumsey Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Shepherdstown (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Shepherdstown (approx. 0.2 miles away in Maryland); A View into the Past (approx. 0.2 miles away in Maryland); Ferry Hill (approx. 0.3 miles away in Maryland); Ferry Hill Place (approx. 0.3 miles away in Maryland); In Honor of James Rumsey (approx. 0.3 miles away); Spirit of 1775 Beeline March to Cambridge (approx. 0.4 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Shepherdstown.

By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

2. Ferry Hill

Close-up of the photo of Ferry Hill.

By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

3. River Crossing Marker

Looking over the Ramsey Bridge at Ferry Hill Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

4. Looking over the Ramsey Bridge at Ferry Hill

Credits. This page originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 62 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.