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Hatton Ferry Update—and Follow on Facebook!

Location: Hatton Ferry, Scottsville, VA

Date: Current Events

The Virginia Department of Transportation has decided to stop funding the operation of the Hatton Ferry, the last hand-poled ferry in the United States, on July 1st. The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society took on a very active role in 1982 to ensure the continued operation of the Hatton Ferry working hand in hand with the County of Albemarle and VDOT. Our commitment to its operation has not wavered. The Hatton Ferry is one of those rare items that transcends monetary value. Its true value as the last remaining hand-poled ferry in the US can not be judged solely on the costs to be saved by its pending closure.

Wednesday, July 1st, is an important day for the ferry. Please contact the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors to express you support the ferry (bos[at]albemarle.org) not only for the remainder of this operating season, but for the longer-term continuation of the ferry. For those of you who may wish to attend the meeting, the issue of the ferry is scheduled for 2:00 pm.

You may also contact VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern about his decision to terminate support and funding for the ferry (David.Ekern[at]vdot.virginia.gov). Please also consider contacting the Governor or your local state representatives on this issue.

The Society has established the Hatton Ferry Fund at Old Dominion National Bank in Scottsville to receive funds that will be used to assist in the continued operation of the ferry. Tax-deductible donations may be sent directly to the bank or the Society. Please help us keep the Hatton Ferry going for future generations to experience.

Donations toward the continued operation of the historic Hatton Ferry may be directed to Old Dominion National Bank, attn: Marshall Pryor, III,
P.O. 321, Scottsville, VA 24590.
Checks should be made out to "ACHS - Hatton Ferry Fund."

Sunday, June 28th, marked the last day of VDOT funding for the operation of the Hatton Ferry. It was a busy day ferrying over 200 people across the river along with 30 cars and a couple of dozen of motorcycles. Even the ACHS President was called into service to pole the ferry all the way across the mighty James River to give the ferry operators a break - Ashley Pillar, his father Harold and nephew Matthew. Travis L. Clements (Staunton, VA) has the distinction of having the last car to cross on the ferry (pictured). Jurretta J. Heckscher (Library of Congress) had the distinction of being the last passenger to ride the ferry. People came from all corners of the Commonwealth to experience traversing the James River on the nation's last hand poled ferry as well as more exotic locals like Porto Rico and Venezuela. There were even visitors who made detours in their travel plans to visit the ferry.

Check out Hatton Ferry on Facebook! Click HERE.

Additional Info:
Letter received by the Hatton Ferry Fund, 11/14/09: "The benefit of the Hatton Ferry far outweighs cost because it is educational, historic, ecofriendly, and a part of our rich Virginia history. Keep the Hatton Ferry if only FOR OUR CHILDREN and their children--please."--C&A Camp