Yorktown in York County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
York River Ferry
Two women, Janet Mitchell and Mary Gibbons of Yorktown, managed the ferry business in 1774. They advised “Gentlemen who cross to pay their Ferriages at the Swan Tavern” and they also assured customers reading the April 1 issue of the Virginia Gazette that “the Ferry shall be kept inferiour to none in the Colony.”
The first ferries were powered by men using oars. Later, a cable was used to pull boats across. The invention of the internal combustion engine meant boats could motor across the channel. When the George P. Coleman Bridge opened in 1952, the Virginia Department of Transportation discontinued ferry service in this location.
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Last day of service of the York River Ferry, May 7, 1952. Photo courtesy of the Watermen’s Museum.
Image courtesy of Bonnie and Jerry Karwac, Jr.
Erected 2010 by York County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Colonial Era • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1647.
Location. 37° 14.365′ N, 76° 30.585′ W. Marker is in Yorktown, Virginia, in York County. Marker can be reached from Water Street west of Buckner Street, on the right when traveling west. Located along Yorktown's Riverwalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yorktown VA 23690, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chesapeake Bay Watermen (here, next to this marker); George P. Coleman Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Yorktown's Tea Party (within shouting distance of this marker); The Betsy (within shouting distance of this marker); Aviation Field Yorktown (within shouting distance of this marker); Yorktown's Windmill (within shouting distance of this marker); The Watermen's Museum (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Join the Adventure (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yorktown.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 471 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.