Historic White's Ferry – Dickerson, Maryland - Atlas Obscura
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Historic White's Ferry

Dickerson, Maryland

Although the final ferry operating on the Potomac River is presently defunct, the hamlet of White's Ferry is still a bustling stopover for cyclists and picnickers. 

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Sign featuring fees to ride the ferry blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Sign featuring fees to ride the ferry blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Sign regarding Historic Ferry blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
White's Ferry Grill and Store blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Floodline markings and dates on the General Store blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Picnic area near the general store blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Bridge over a long-dry portion of the C&O Canal blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
The Jubal A. Early Ferry at Historic White's Ferry blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Entrance sign at White's Ferry blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
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With activity in the area since 1786, the first ferry on record at this site was Conrad’s Ferry in 1817. The name change to White’s Ferry is attributable to Civil War officer Elijah V. White, who named the boat after his former commander, General Jubal Anderson Early. The ferry was the last of around 100 ferries operating on the Potomac River until it ceased operation in November 2020 in response to an ongoing legal matter involving the owner of Rockland Farm on the Loudoun side of the river.

When in operation, the ferry, which looks like a boat ramp, transports cars, cyclists, and pedestrians between White’s Ferry Road in Montgomery County, MD and a road with the same name in Loudoun County, Virginia. Cars are guided onto the boat by an attendant and the ferry follows a wire cable on a five minute ride from shore to shore.

The boat was renamed Historic White’s Ferry in June 2020 shortly before it’s closure.

 

Know Before You Go

White's Ferry Store & Grill is still fully operational, and in addition to food and sundries, the store also rents canoes and picnic tables, of which there are a dozen or so scattered around the property. There is also a pavilion available for rent for larger gatherings 


 

Nearby
Edward D. Baker Memorial Stone
1.64 miles
Warren Historic Site
2.48 miles
Dodona Manor
3.58 miles
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