History of the Millersburg Ferry
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 George Carson, from Upper Paxton
Township and Michael Crow from (then) Cumberland County, 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 proprietary 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.
Richard
McConnell’s interest was sold to H.M. Hain in 1896 and then to Annie Miller and
Pierce McConnell in 1898. Annie sold her share to Pierce in 1900 who sold
it to John Travitz in 1904. In 1902 Levi McConnell sold his interest to
George Seiler until 1906 when Warren Hunter purchased it. John Travitz
sold his interest to Thomas Radel I 1907.
The ferry stayed
in the families of Hunter and Radel until 1968 when it was sold to Bud and
Robert Wallis and Jim Zeiders. In 1972, Robert Wallis became the sole
owner of the Millersburg Ferry.
In 1990,
Community Banks, N.A. of Millersburg purchased the ferry from Robert Wallis and
gave it to the Millersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber then
formed the Millersburg Ferry Boat Association, a board of nine members from
various community organizations, who oversee the seasonal operation of the
boats while preserving the historic value for future generations.
Hours of Operation
Ferry service is available from May through mid October.
Before June 1st and after Labor Day, we
run weekends only. Holidays are included. Beginning June 1, we
operate 7 days per week through Labor Day.
Week days operating hours are 11:00 a.m.
until 5:00 p.m.
Weekend and holiday hours are 9:00 a.m. until
dusk.
We do not run on a set schedule, but as
traffic warrants.
The ferry connects Millersburg in Dauphin
County with an adjacent landing in Perry County along Routes 11 & 15,
approximately 2 miles south of Liverpool. The Landing Sites are included
in the PA State Historic Marker Program (indicated by the familiar blue and
gold signs).
Each ferry can accommodate up to 4 vehicles
or 20 plus motorcycles. A maximum of 52 passengers may travel the mile
wide Susquehanna River on each trip.
We offer
reasonable rates for our ferry services. Private charters and group rates are
also available for weddings, business meetings, reunions, birthday parties,
anniversaries, school and senior travel groups. Call to schedule a private
charter. Catering services are permitted as well as picnic lunches.
Don’t forget our
popular Thursday evening River Rambles. Enjoy an evening with featured
entertainment, informative lectures and refreshments. Call
717-692-2442 and ask to be placed on our mailing list for River Ramble
events. By joining the Ferry Boat Association (see application on reverse
side), you will automatically receive notification of all our activities.
Directions
From Harrisburg:
Routes 22-322 West to Route 147 North. Follow into Millersburg and turn
left onto North Street and go towards the river. Follow to landing
site. OR
Routes 22-322
West to Route 11/15 North towards Liverpool. Exit into Ferry Boat Camp Grounds
(approximately 2 miles South of Liverpool). Follow signs to
landing. OR
Routes 11/15
South through Liverpool. Pass Ferry Boat Campground on left and take next
turning lane. Turn around and head North on 11/15 and turn into
Campground now on your right. Follow signs.
Give a Gift of History
The Millersburg
Ferry Boat Association proudly offers the gift items pictured below which may
be purchased at by giving our office a telephone call.
Items
available: Ferry Boat print by artist James Stutzman, pottery crocks,
hand painted Four Seasons of the Ferry Christmas balls with or without keep
sake boxes, caps, wooden crates, refrigerator magnets, 18”x18” garden stepping
stones, slate and wooden wall hangings. We also sell books of
tickets and gift certificates for rides and our River Ramble programs.
Site Menu
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