Getting there from here....

The challenge of history is to recover the past and introduce it to the present. ~David Thelen

Although I don't use the ferry much. I have been on it a more than a few times, over the years. It was always something of a "treat" to ride the ferry across the Ohio River. We did it more for the enjoyment of the trip, than necessity. It's a pleasant way to travel when you aren't in a hurry to get from point "A" to point "B".

Recently, there have been problems with the ferry. It is in need of some repair. Plans to repair the problem (the transmission) are in the works. While not overly expensive, according to Mayor Fox, the fact is operation costs, insurance, and payroll for ferry employees must also come out of the ferry budget. This has hampered, but not stalled, the repair. Currently the city is investigating the possibility of acquiring a discretionary grant fund through the state as one option to defray costs.

Some citizens of Sistersville have lately voiced the opinion that the ferry should be shut down. Some might call it progress. Some might view it as a cost-saving measure to the town. I disagree. I think removing the ferry from service is not only short-sighted, it is suicide for Sistersville.

I hate to be the bearing of bad tidings, (but)... for those who envision a bridge in place of the ferry, it's highly unlikely. With one bridge in St. Marys, to the south, and another bridge in New Martinsville, to the north, there is no justification for adding another bridge. Especially in light of federal funding cutbacks, it is not remotely feasible to expect the construction of another bridge.

However, the operation of the ferry is a far superior asset to the community, as opposed to a bridge, for several reasons.

The ferry, which is both practical and unique, sets Sistersville apart from her neighbors to the north and south. By my research, there are only 4 ferries in operation on the entire length of the Ohio River, and only one here in West Virginia. And it's right here, in Sistersville. She's one of a kind - a grand old lady of the Ohio River.

The ferry has great historical significance to the area. Established by the General Assembly of Virginia on Jan. 28, 1818, as an act of granting ferry franchise to John McCoy, the ferry service was instrumental in helping Sistersville's economy to prosper, ensuring the town's survival as a viable community in its early years. Since its founding, the ferry has only officially been closed twice for reasons other then weather -during the Civil War and from 1987-1989.

In my opinion, the ferry should be central to the efforts to bolster tourism being made by the city. I think it would be a huge mistake to cease operations of the ferry. Rather, it should be utilized as the one-of-kind attraction it is.

In this day and age, when everything is accessed at the speed of light, it is the slow pace of the ferry itself that makes the little village of Sistersville stand out in the crowd. For tourists who come to this area to soak up the history and ambience of bygone times, the ferry ride aids in the trip back in time as part of the process. I don't think I can overstate the simple fact that visitors from other parts of the country - especially metropolitan areas - are looking for just that experience. Why would the city remove one of the biggest tourism draws it has? This scenic boat ride offers travelers a unique glimpse of the area, one that is not afforded by another county in the entire state.

The Sistersville Ferry is the only ferry that operates along the 277-mile border between Ohio and West Virginia. The ONLY one. And its Sistersville's very own!

According to Southeast Ohio Magazine, the ferry is not only an attraction for tourists but serves locals as well. The Sistersville Ferry daily charters almost 100 cars across the Ohio River. Most passengers are locals commuting between Ohio and West Virginia. Without the use of the ferry many people would have to travel out of their way to work via the nearest bridge, either the St. Mary’s Bridge or the New Martinsville Bridge.

I support the continued operation of the Sistersville Ferry,and I encourage all of you to be vocal in your support, as well. Don't destroy one of the more charming aspects of the day-to-day life of your community. Take pride in the historical contributions the ferry has made to your town. After all, if it wasn't for that very same ferry, Sistersville, as we know it, might not even be here today.