Valley View Ferry

The Valley View Ferry primarily services the residents of Fayette, Jessamine, and Madison counties.  It is the oldest year-round ferry service in the United States and the last ferry remaining on the Kentucky River. Founded seven years before Kentucky became a state, the Valley View Ferry's charter was signed by Virginia Governor Patrick Henry in 1785. The Valley View Ferry is operated jointly by the governments of Lexington-Fayette, Jessamine and Madison Counties. It transports vehicles and passengers across the Kentucky River, which separates SR-169, an extension of Tates Creek Road. The chief advantage of using the ferry boat is to substantially reduce commuting time between these areas.  It is also a novel side-trip or weekend excursion, enjoyed by all, especially young children. The Ferry, run by various operators over 210 years, was damaged by the weight of heavy snow in January, 1996. It was then put in dry dock for rehabilitation, which eventually led to the construction of a new boat, with only the old engine and paddlewheel remaining.  The new boat, the "John Craig," cost $40,000 and was dedicated June 7,1996, on the Fayette-Jessamine counties' side of the Kentucky River. In March, 1998, the ferry's guide wires and connecting towers were replaced, using a $200,000 Federal grant. The ferry is managed by the Valley View Ferry Authority, composed of citizens and government officials from the three counties served.