Hatton Grange in Scottsville in Albemarle County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Hatton Ferry

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

1. Hatton Ferry Marker

Inscription. James A. Brown began operating a store and ferry at this site on rented property in the late 1870’s. In 1881 he bought the land from S. P. Gantt at which time the store became a stop on the Richmond and Alleghany Railroad. Two years later, Brown was authorized to open a post office in his store, which was named Hatton for the young federal postal officer who signed the authorizing documents. The ferry is one of only two poled ferries still functioning in the continental United States.

Erected 1987 by Department of Conservation and Historic Resources. (Marker Number GA-37.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 37° 45.564′ N, 78° 30.781′ W. Marker is in Scottsville, Virginia, in Albemarle County. It is in Hatton Grange. Marker is on Hatton Ferry Road, 0.2 miles south of Hatton Ferry Lane, on the left when traveling south. The marker is actually at the intersection of an unnamed road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scottsville VA 24590, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies

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. A different marker also named Hatton Ferry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wilson Cary Nicholas (approx. 2.6 miles away); Hurricane Camille (approx. 2.9 miles away); Historic Scottsville (approx. 2.9 miles away); Scottsville (approx. 2.9 miles away); Barclay House and Scottsville Museum (approx. 2.9 miles away); Scottsville Confederate Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away); a different marker also named Hatton Ferry (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scottsville.

Regarding Hatton Ferry. The Hatton Ferry operates, river levels permitting, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., April 15 through October 15. It is a free ferry. Contact: (434) 296-1492.

Also see . . . Historic Hatton Ferry. (Submitted on October 23, 2008, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota.)

Additional commentary.
1. S.P. Gantt
S.P. Gantt was Sarah Perkins Gantt, the widow of John Weems Gantt. Together with their sons they had owned much of the land west of Scottsville along the James River as far as Howardsville.

— Submitted March 20, 2020,
Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

2. View Hatton Ferry Marker with the old store in the background.
by Leroy A Keller, Jr of Glen Allen, Virginia.

The Hatton Ferry today image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

3. The Hatton Ferry today

Replica of the Ferry Operator's House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

4. Replica of the Ferry Operator's House

Today the ferry operator waits here for customers.

Poling the Hatton Ferry image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

5. Poling the Hatton Ferry

The operator by manipulating a cable uses the current to propel the ferry, but at times must resort to using a pole to push it along.

Approach to the Hatton Ferry image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

6. Approach to the Hatton Ferry

This is the approach to the ferry on the south side of the James River.

Sign on board the Hatton Ferry image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

7. Sign on board the Hatton Ferry

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2008, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 1,046 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 23, 2008, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota.