Aurora in Dearborn County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

History of the Aurora Ferry Co., Inc.

By Duane Hall, May 21, 2013

1. History of the Aurora Ferry Co., Inc. Marker

Inscription. Legend has it that a ferry has operated near this location close to the mouth of Hogan Creek since 1802. The early ferries were powered by two horses walking on treadmills connected to a paddle wheel. The relationship between the small town of Petersburg, KY and Aurora was made possible by the ferry. It was so strong that in 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War the two communities penned a non-aggression pact.

In the 20th century the "Etta Belle", a side wheel wooden boat, was purchased in 1942 by Charles and Jessie Farrar. The "Everett Lee" with a steel hull that could carry six cars was purchased in 1945 to improve safety and comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

In 1955 Charlie Farrar designed a diesel powered push boat to swing around while attached to the barge. It was named "C.J." for his daughters, Carol and Jane. The barge "Aurora" was added in 1962 enabling 15 cars to be across the river in 7 minutes.

The ultimate priority was always to provide excellent service to support the community. Dedicated employees of Aurora Ferry Company, Inc. provided transportation seven days a week until construction of the I-275 bridge in 1978.

Location. 39° 3.286′ N, 84° 53.881′ W. Marker is in Aurora, Indiana, in Dearborn County

By Duane Hall, May 21, 2013

2. History of the Aurora Ferry Co., Inc. Marker

On the north bank of the Ohio River

. Marker is at the intersection of Water Street (State Road 56) and 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north on Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Aurora IN 47001, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Aurora (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hillforest (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tanner’s Station 1789 (approx. 1.9 miles away in Kentucky); Lochry's Defeat (approx. 2.2 miles away); A Historic Road Less Traveled (approx. 2½ miles away); The Spirits of Lawrenceburg (approx. 3½ miles away); James Buchanan Eads (approx. 3.6 miles away); Lawrenceburg (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aurora.

Categories. • Waterways & Vessels •

Close-up of Photograph on Marker image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, May 21, 2013

3. Close-up of Photograph on Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on July 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 559 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.