JAMESTOWN-- With the Cape Henry Ford Model A Club in the lead, 50 cars boarded the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry vessel Williamsburg today, and traveled from James City County to Surry County to commemorate 90th anniversary of the first automobile ferry crossing of the James River in 1925.
"Being out on the James River and riding one of our ferries is like tearing a page out of a history book, and VDOT is proud to be leading the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry system into the future," said VDOT Hampton Roads District Administrator James P. Utterback.
Utterback was joined by Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne, VDOT Commissioner Charles A. Kilpatrick and other state and local leaders, as well as 16 living descendants of Albert Jester, the first captain of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.
Before the ceremonial ferry crossing, guests gathered at Jamestown Settlement for a special presentation honoring the Jester family. Attendees heard from Secretary of Administration Nancy Rodrigues, who shared her experiences commuting on the ferry to and from her Surry County home, as well as former deckhand Rodney Taylor, who worked alongside Albert Jester in the 1940's. Secretary Layne also presented a proclamation from Governor Terry McAuliffe, marking the 90th anniversary event.
"The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry system is such a unique part of our transportation landscape here in the Commonwealth, and it is something we should treasure and continue to grow," said Secretary Layne.
After the ceremonial ferry crossing, the Surry County Historical Society and Museums opened up their newest exhibit for a special preview event. Dozens waited in line to catch the first glimpse of the newly-restored deckhouse of the "Capt. John Smith," the original Jamestown-Scotland ferry vessel. The restoration project was partially funded with local assistance funds from VDOT.
"VDOT has been operating the Jamestown Scotland Ferry for 70 of the last 90 years, and we will continue to invest millions into the ferry system, so we can keep Virginia moving for decades more to come," said Commissioner Kilpatrick.
