The Hatton Ferry is has operated on the James River since 1870 and is the last pole-operated ferry in America. Faced with a budget shortfall, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced this past May that it would eliminate funding for the Hatton Ferry. This is a piece of Americana that, when lost, will be lost forever.
The Albemarle - Charlottesville Historical Society has arranged for the county of Albemarle to fund the ferry for the rest of this year. In return, the county has accepted the Historical Society’s assurance that it will endeavor to find private finding to assist in the future cost of the ferry operation.
The immediate goal is to raise about $10,000.00 to cover the expenses for 2009 and $30,000.00 for 2010. The long-term goal is to ensure that the ferry continues to operate; the Historical Society is committed to seeing that this piece of history does not fade from the community.
Help save the Hatton Ferry. For more information, contact Jocelyn at the CACF office.