Perth Amboy Ferry Slip facts for kids
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Perth Amboy Ferry Slip
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The Perth Amboy Ferry Slip in fall of 2011
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 Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Foot of Smith Street Perth Amboy, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1904 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001773 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 12, 1981 |
The Perth Amboy Ferry Slip is a historic spot in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. It sits right on the Arthur Kill, which is a waterway that connects to New York Harbor. This place was once a very important ferry slip, where boats would pick up and drop off people.
The ferry slip was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It was carefully fixed up in 1998 to look just like it did in 1904. Today, there's a copy of the old ticket office that works as a small museum.
Contents
History of the Ferry Slip
Perth Amboy is located where the Raritan River meets the Raritan Bay. This bay is part of the larger Lower New York Bay. Perth Amboy was once a very important city. It even served as New Jersey's capital from 1686 until 1776.
In 1684, it became the capital of East Jersey. It remained a capital city even after East and West Jersey joined together in 1702. For a long time, it shared the role of colonial capital with Burlington until 1776.
Early Ferry Services
People have been using ferries at this spot since 1684. For many years, Perth Amboy was a key stop for travelers. People going between New York City and Philadelphia would often pass through here. The ferry service used the waterways to help people travel.
A famous person named Cornelius Vanderbilt first set up the ferry service here. He later became known as "The Commodore" because he was so important in shipping. Later, the ferry slip was used to bring new immigrants from Ellis Island to the mainland. Many of these new arrivals decided to stay and live in Perth Amboy.
Native American Crossings
Even before the European settlers, the native Lenape people helped others cross the water. They provided crossings as early as 1680.
The longest-running ferry service crossed the Arthur Kill to Tottenville, Staten Island. Regular ferry trips started around 1709 or 1719. A person named Christopher Billopp operated this service.
Steam Ferries and Modern Changes
Steam-powered ferries began running in the late 1800s. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad operated these ferries until 1943. The ferry connected to the Staten Island Railway at the Tottenville station.
In the early days of cars, the ferry was a vital link for people traveling to the Jersey Shore. However, its importance decreased after the Outerbridge Crossing opened in 1928. The Outerbridge Crossing is a large bridge that made it easier for cars to cross. Despite this, the ferry continued to operate until October 17, 1963.
Gallery
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Perth Amboy-Tottenville Ferry connected to the Staten Island Railway
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Looking toward the Perth Amboy Ferry Slip in the direction of departure towards Tottenville
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Middlesex County, New Jersey
- New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
- List of ferries across the Hudson River to New York City
- Gibbons v. Ogden
