LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - The last ferry on the Kentucky River is still serving the same purpose after more than two centuries, but this year it has a new look.
The towboat that connects to the barge made it's debut in December. The towboat features a paddle wheel and stack that adds to the historic feel of the brief trip.
The Valley View Ferry connects Kentucky 169 at the Fayette, Jessamine and Madison County lines. The ferry was established in 1785, before Kentucky became a state. It is considered the oldest year-round ferry service in the U.S.
“It's a nice ride, nostalgic ride,” said George Dean, Kentucky River historian and former chairman of the Valley View Ferry authority. “A step back in time.”
Dean estimates 150,000 to 160,000 people cross each year. He says the quick, two minute ride can save up to 45 minutes for commuters.
“We have a lot of traffic especially in the mornings and late afternoons,” he said.
Port Captain Clayton Embly sees many of the same faces.
“You actually really get attached to the passengers,” said Embly. “You like hearing about them going to work. You like hearing about them complaining about what they did at work.”
Embly says there is more than what meets the eye when crossing the 500 to 600 feet to the other bank.
“The day actually goes pretty quickly because you're always looking for what can go wrong,” he said.
He says he's focused on making sure the up to 15 passengers are safe and the three cars on the barge are balanced.
Tourists from all over the state, country and world make the quick but memorable trip across the river, especially during the summer.
“The biggest thing you see is people absolutely surprised that something like this still exists,” said Embly.
Royal Hunter Dixon of North Carolina made the crossing for the first time Wednesday.
“It's great. I love it!” Dixon said. “You're almost like going back in time, because this was the only way to cross the river a couple hundred years ago.”
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