Ferry scow at Forts Ferry, c.1905. This typical rope ferry was guided across the Mohawk River by a cable. The cable is visible in this postcard view by Parker Goodfellow, as are the two drop cables that connect it to the scow. When one drop cable is longer than the other, the flow of water forces the ferry across. A long pole was used to push off from shore. The toll depended upon the number of axles on the vehicle, or the number of horses. This ferry was established by Nicholas Fort in 1728, and it operated until the Barge Canal opened.
Excerpts taken from the book "Images of America CLIFTON PARK' by John L. Scherer. This book, as well as John Scherer's new book coming out in April, are available the Town of Clifton Park's Office of Parks, Recreation, and Community Affairs.
