Millersburg Ferry
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Millersburg Ferry
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The Millersburg Ferry as viewed from the eastern shore. Note the ferry wall to the downstream side of the boat, midway across the river.
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| Location | Susquehanna R. bet. Millersburg and Buffalo Township, Millersburg, Pennsylvania |
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| Coordinates | 40°32′39″N 76°58′25″W / 40.54417°N 76.97361°WCoordinates: 40°32′39″N 76°58′25″W / 40.54417°N 76.97361°W |
| Area | 146 acres (0.59 km2) |
| Built | 1817 |
| NRHP Reference # | 06000663 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | August 2, 2006 |
| Designated PHMC | May 20, 1973 |
The Millersburg Ferry, also known as the Kramer-Crow Ferry, is the last operating ferry on the Susquehanna River. It crosses the river between Millersburg in Dauphin County and Buffalo Township in Perry County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The ferry was established in the early 19th century. The Millersburg Ferry crossing was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. Its ferry boat is believed to be the last "wooden double stern-wheel paddle boat" to be operating in the United States. It is owned by the Millersburg Chamber of Commerce and operated by the Millersburg Ferryboat Association from May until October when water levels permit.
Ferries have been crossing the Susquehanna River at Millersburg since at least the early 19th century. The one mile (1.6 km) crossing was first served by a pole ferry that was much like a bateau. The ferry predates the establishment of Millersburg in 1807. The borough's founder Daniel Miller reserved the ferry and shad fishery rights along the Susquehanna for himself.
Records from 1817 and 1820 show that the ferry was operated by George Carson or Michael Crow. Crow was to have built a road from the ferry landing on the west shore in Perry County to the "Great Road", modern U.S. Routes 11 and 15, and Carson would operate the ferry. It is not known if Carson ever took over operation of the ferry, but Crow did petition to have the road built in 1819. The 1820 tax records show that Crow was assessed for a farm, sawmill and ferry. This west shore landing became known as "Crow's Landing". An 1826 sheriff's sale showed that the proprietary rights for the eastern landing were transferred from Daniel Miller to David Kramer for $60.00 (equal to $1,270.06 today).
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