What's Happening in Wethersfield, CT…

The country’s oldest continuing ferry service has just been increased to a full seven-day schedule across the Connecticut River.

The schedule increase is a boon to Rocky Hill, especially considering that it was slated to be shut down a little more than two years ago due to budget constraints. However, residents strongly objected, since the ferry service is the only one accessible to those making their way between Hartford and Middleton. Without the ferry, pedestrians and bicyclists would need to do a 13-mile detour.


The ferry originally began operation in 1655 but at that point was a small raft propelled by long poles. As time marched on and technology advanced, the ferry used horse power to make the connection between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury at Route 160. A horse-powered treadmill was used to pull the craft along. By 1876, the horse was replaced with a steam engine. Today, the ferry accommodates a maximum of three in an open flatboat, named the Hollister III, and is pulled across the river by a towboat, powered by diesel.


The increased schedule was made possible by hiring two new operators to fill the vacancies that were created more than a year ago.


Additional signage can be expected on both approach roads leading to the ferry. Further information could be included on flyer printing, such as the new schedule and rates.


The Rocky Hill ferry was made famous when it was used in the music video for Billy Joel’s ‘River of Dreams’.