West Columbia in Lexington County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Friday’s Ferry
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 9, 2013
1. Friday’s Ferry Marker
This ferry was named after the German settler Martin Fridig, who changed his name to Friday. He came to the area about 1735. In 1754 Friday received permission from the Colonial assembly in Charleston to operate a ferry across the Congaree near this location. The ferry probably was a flat boat that was poled across the river. Colonial rules required that to operate the ferry, Friday had to give ordained ministers, those going to and from church, Indians, and public servants free passage. All others had to pay a fee of one shilling and three pence (about 75¢ in 2000 U.S. dollars). Friday’s Ferry remained an important link between the Richland and Lexington sides of the river until the 1790s, when the first bridges were constructed.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1735.
Location. 33° 59.689′ N, 81° 3.153′ W. Marker is in West Columbia, South Carolina, in Lexington County. Marker can be reached from Alexander Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located along the Three Rivers
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. “City of Columbia” Anchor (a few steps from this marker); Gervais Street Bridge (a few steps from this marker); River Inn, c. 1740s (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Congaree River Bridges (within shouting distance of this marker); Milestones (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Congaree River Bridges (approx. ¼ mile away); 1896 Power Plant (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Gervais Street Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Columbia.
More about this marker. A picture on the right side of the marker depicts men transporting horses and a wagon across a river. It has a caption of “Early ferries may have looked something like this. Illustration courtesy of the S.C. State Museum”
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 9, 2013
2. Friday’s Ferry Marker
The Congaree River, which Friday's Ferry crossed, can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 9, 2013
3. Friday’s Ferry Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 9, 2013
4. Marker at the Three Rivers Greenway
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 9, 2013
5. Gervais Street Bridge
Friday’s Ferry served travelers in the area near this bridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 929 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 16, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
