Downtown in Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Hillsborough River Ferry
— 1846~1888 —
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, July 10, 2023
1. Hillsborough River Ferry Marker
Inscription.
Hillsborough River Ferry. — 1846~1888 —. At the nearby junction of Jackson Street and the Hillsborough River was the east bank docking site of the Tampa Ferry, the only means of crossing the river in pioneer days. The ferry was an open deck, flat barge, hand pulled by means of a steel cable. It operated until 1888, when construction of the first bridge terminated its usefulness., Appointed by the County Commissioners, the first ferryman was Thomas Piper, 1846; followed by Benjamin J. Hagler, 1848; Gen. Jesse Carter, 1854; Domenico Ghira, 1864; Jesse J. Hayden 1869.
At the nearby junction of Jackson Street and the Hillsborough River was the east bank docking site of the Tampa Ferry, the only means of crossing the river in pioneer days. The ferry was an open deck, flat barge, hand pulled by means of a steel cable. It operated until 1888, when construction of the first bridge terminated its usefulness.
Appointed by the County Commissioners, the first ferryman was Thomas Piper, 1846; followed by Benjamin J. Hagler, 1848; Gen. Jesse Carter, 1854; Domenico Ghira, 1864; Jesse J. Hayden 1869.
Erected 2022 by Hillsborough County Historic Commission 1977- Replacement marker erected by the Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 27° 56.78′ N, 82° 27.541′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of East Jackson Street (State Road 60) and North Ashley Drive, on the right when traveling east on East Jackson Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. History in the Air (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The War Years
Additional commentary. 1. New marker A new marker has been erected a block away from the original location.
— Submitted April 9, 2024, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, July 10, 2023
2. Hillsborough River Ferry Marker
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
3. Hillsborough River Ferry Marker
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
4. Hillsborough River Ferry Marker
Next to the steps at the entrance to Rivergate Tower
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
5. Hillsborough River Ferry Marker
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
6. Rivergate Tower sign
This sign, at the corner of Ashley and Kennedy, is just east of the Hillsborough River Ferry marker.
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
7. Rivergate Tower
The marker is located opposite the side seen here. Due to the tower's shape, it is commonly referred to as the "beer can building".
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
8. Rivergate Tower and the Hillsborough River
Seen from the Tampa Riverwalk
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
9. Kennedy Boulevard Bridge over the Hillsborough River
Built long after the days of the ferry, the bridge features graffiti from various collegiate rowing tourneys.
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
10. Kennedy Boulevard Bridge Plaque
Erected 1913 by Commissioners of Public Works D.B. McKay, President H.C. Mac Farlene H.B. Snow T.N. Henderson P.Holtsinger Boller, Hodge, Baird Engineers Edwards Construction Co., Contractors
Photographed By AGS Media, July 30, 2010
11. Sunset over the Hillsborough River
Seen from the city park adjacent to Rivergate Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,254 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on February 13, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 9, 2024, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on July 31, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.