Nestled Among Pennsylvania's beautiful mountains lies the historic town of Millersburg - home of a unique transportation service whose very beginnings are lost in antiquity. Here, across the mile wide Susquehanna, one can ride the last ferry on the river and experience a part of transportation history.
History of the Millersburg Ferry
The Millersburg Ferry circa 1898
The actual birthday of the Millersburg Ferry is not known. When Daniel Miller founded Millersburg in 1807, he reserved the shad fishery and ferry rights to himself.
An unsigned agreement dated 1817 tells us that a George Carson, from Upper Paxton Township and Michael Crow from (then) Cumberland Co. were negotiating for the use of Crow's land as a ferry landing. In 1820, Michael Crow was assessed for a farm, sawmill and ferry.
Then in 1826, a sheriff's sale transferred Daniel Miller's propriety reserve and ferry right to David Kramer, who did establish a ferry at Millersburg.
From David Kramer, the ferry passed to his sons George and Joseph. In the 1870's, Joseph Johnson purchased it and resold it to John Freck, who in turn sold it to Ramsey Moyer in the 1880's. In 1890, Levi McConnel bought the ferry. Levi and his brother Richard had been operating another ferry in competition so this purchase combined the two operations.
In 1902, Levi McConnel sold his interest to George Seiler, and this interest was purchased in 1906 by Warren Hunter. Richard McConnel's interest was sold to H.M. Hain in 1896 and to Annie Miller and Pierce McConnel in 1898. Annie sold her share to Pierce in 1900, who sold to John Travitz in 1904. He, in turn, sold to Thomas Radel in 1907.
The ferry stayed in the families of Hunter and Radel until 1968 when it was sold to Bud & Robert Wallis and Jim Zeiders. In 1972, Robert Wallis became the sole owner of the Millersburg Ferry.
In February 1990, Community Banks, N.A. of Millersburg purchased the Ferry from Robert Wallis and gave it to the Millersburg Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce then formed the Millersburg Ferryboat Association, a board of nine members from various organizations in the community who assumed ownership and operation of the boats.
Operations
Millersburg Ferry Boat Association
P.O. Box 93
Millersburg, PA 17061
Phone: (717) 692-2442
Directions
From Harrisburg: 22-322 W to 147 North to Millersburg
From Sunbury: Rt. 147 South to Millersburg
Daily Schedule: Saturday and Sunday from 1st weekend in May through October 9:00 a.m. until dusk. Weekdays from June 2nd to and including Labor Day 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Fares:
One-way "walk on passenger", $2.00
Autos, $6.00, (includes driver's fee)
For pricing information, brochures, reservations and/or charter bookings
can be obtained by phoning the Business Office at (717) 692-2442
Limited Edition Print Send To: Millersburg Ferry Boat Association PO Box 93 Millersburg, PA 17061 (717) 692-2442 |
"Roaring Bull V" Published from an original watercolor painting by Jim Stutzman An image to celebrate the 1998 reconstruction of the Roaring Bull Ferry Boat at Millersburg, PA Image Size: 12 x 18 250 Prints Available $25.00 @ s/n prints available only with Captain's Club Membership. Please add $7.50 for shipping, PA residents please add 6% sales tax on the total amount including shipping charge. |