Old Saybrook Center in Lower Connecticut River Valley Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

The Ferry

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 2, 2021

1. The Ferry Marker

Inscription.
Prior to the construction of a railroad bridge in 1862 and an automobile bridge in 1911, ferries provided the only passenger service from Saybrook across the Connecticut River. The earliest ferries were powered by various combinations of sail, oar, pole and tow rope. The crossing could take several hours.
The ferry at Saybrook was chartered in 1662 by the General Court at Hartford, which also established the rates to be charged. John Whittlesey and his brother-in-law William Dudley were the first ferrymen, a business the two families maintained for several generations. There was no wharf on the Saybrook side for almost sixty years, so passengers could expect to get their feet wet when going ashore.
When the railroad opened in 1852, the ferry Shampishue carried the railroad the River. By 1888, the steam-powered Lady Fenwick had replaced the old sail- bearing ferries. The automobile drawbridge eliminated the need for any ferries. The Colonial, the last Saybrook ferry in operation across the Connecticut River, made her final run in 1911.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 41° 17.071′ N,

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72° 21.058′ W. Marker is in Old Saybrook in Lower Connecticut River Valley Region, Connecticut. It is in Old Saybrook Center. It can be reached from College Street (Connecticut Route 154) east of Fenwick Street, on the left when traveling east. Located in Fort Saybrook Monument Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Old Saybrook CT 06475, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley,

on the Connecticut Shoreline,

and in Mystic and the Eastern Shore.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Middlesex County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lighthouses and River Pilots (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Fort Saybrook Monument Park (here, next to this marker); Connecticut Valley Railroad Roundhouse & Turntable Site (a few steps

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 2, 2021

2. The Ferry Marker

from this marker); The Connecticut Valley Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to Fort Saybrook (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Saybrook Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Fishing on the Connecticut (within shouting distance of this marker); Adriaen Block & New Netherland (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Old Saybrook.

Other markers no longer nearby. Welcome to Fort Saybrook (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Saybrook Bar (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Adrian Block • Dutch Exploration (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 2, 2021

3. The Ferry Marker

The marker is on the left. Beyond the marker are the remains of the Connecticut Valley Railroad Roundhouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 438 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 22, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.