Randolph Township in Rising Sun in Ohio County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Earliest Ferry in Rising Sun

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

1. Earliest Ferry in Rising Sun Marker

Inscription. The earliest ferry between Rising Sun and Rabbit Hash, KY was a hand operated flatboat in the late 1830s. At 50-feet long by 10-feet wide, it was dubbed a "superior ferry flat." Kentucky required the boat be kept on its side of the river. The ferry was owned by a Kentucky franchise.

Erected by Rising Star Casino Resort (sponsor).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 38° 56.844′ N, 84° 51.073′ W. Marker is in Rising Sun, Indiana, in Ohio County. It is in Randolph Township. It can be reached from the intersection of South Front Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the sidewalk along the riverfront. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 S Front St, Rising Sun IN 47040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Smith Riggs Blacksmith Shop (here, next to this marker); William Clore (a few steps from this marker); Ohio County (a few steps from this marker); Judge Alexander C. Downey (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Best (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ohio County Courthouse

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(within shouting distance of this marker); John Downey Works (within shouting distance of this marker); Rising Sun Lodge No. 6 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rising Sun.

Regarding Earliest Ferry in Rising Sun. The two communities, located less than a half-mile apart, were without ferry service between 1945 — when the vessel sank in the Ohio River — to 2018, when the casino restarted the service.

Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Historical Marker

The markers lay flat in the sidewalk.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 7, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on June 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.