Communipaw Ferry facts for kids
The Communipaw Ferry was a very important boat service that carried people and goods across the Hudson River. It connected the small village of Communipaw (which is now part of Jersey City, New Jersey) with Lower Manhattan in New York. This ferry was one of the first ways people could travel between New Jersey and New York City by water.
Contents
Early Ferry Service
Starting in New Netherland
The Communipaw Ferry began operating a very long time ago, in 1661. This was when the area was still called New Netherland, and it was controlled by the Dutch. The Dutch leaders in New Amsterdam (which later became New York City) gave permission for the ferry to start. This happened soon after the town of Bergen was built on top of Bergen Hill.
First Across the Hudson
This ferry was special because it was the first known ferry service to cross the Hudson River. It helped people travel and trade between the growing settlements on both sides of the river. The ferry continued to operate for many years, helping the communities grow.
End of the Original Ferry
The original Communipaw Ferry service stopped in 1783. This was during the American Revolutionary War. At that time, New York City was captured by the British army. Because of the war and the British control, the ferry service could no longer operate safely or effectively.
Later Use of the Name
The name "Communipaw Ferry" was used again much later. It also refers to a different ferry service run by the Central Railroad of New Jersey. This later service connected the Communipaw Terminal in Jersey City with the Liberty Street Ferry Terminal in Manhattan. This shows how important the Communipaw area remained for transportation over time.
See also
- Jersey City Ferry
- List of ferries across the Hudson River to New York City
- List of fixed crossings of the Hudson River
- North River
- Port of New York and New Jersey
- Timeline of Jersey City area railroads
