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County: Madison

First Ferry in Kentucky

Marker Number: 

1578

Location: 

Approx. 500 ft. N. of Main Entrance to Ft. Boonesborough State Park, KY 388

License for first ferry established in state, Oct. 1779, was granted to Col. Richard Callaway by the Virginia legislature. The fare for a man or a horse was three shillings (50 cents). Ferry operated until 1931, when the present bridge was constructed. Its last owner was Colonel David J. Williams. Ferry road remains nearby. Presented by Society of Boonesborough.

Reverse Description:

Col. Richard Callaway - Born in Caroline County, Virginia, in June, 1722, Richard Callaway served in French and Indian wars and as a colonel in Revolutionary War. He was a member of Virginia House of Burgesses and one of the first settlers of Boonesborough. In process of building this ferry, Callaway was killed by Indians, Mar. 8, 1780, and buried near here. Presented by Society of Boonesborough.

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