Aurora, Indiana and Petersburg, Kentucky were connected for nearly two centuries by ferry that transported people, vehicles and goods back and forth across the Ohio River. From the first two horse powered days until the 15 car ferry in service at the end, the Aurora Ferry Company provided uninterrupted service seven days a week.
The history of the ferry
This canoe with the accompanied bronze plaque makes up a memorial marker for a long time icon of the Ohio River. From 1802 to 1978 a ferry ran back and forth across the Ohio. You can see this on the Ohio River Scenic Highway that runs along the river through Aurora, Indiana. The bridge that killed the ferry is out of sight in the background.
Roadtirement 
That’s a very long time to keep a ferry running, a wonderful accomplishment!
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I am surprised it ran so long, but what a great history.
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What a wonderful example of service, determination and strength. This little ferry touched so many folks over the decades…
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My Dad was a pilot on the Aurora Ferry for many years up until it shut down in 1978. I grew up in Aurora and my grandparents lived in Petersburg so I made the trip too many times to count and worked as a deckhand on the ferry during the summers while going to college. It’s a great piece of Aurora’s history and so many of my childhood memories.
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That’s a cool piece of history.
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We’ve always enjoyed these little gems of history that are not as well known. Thanks for sharing.
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Sad isn’t it when an era like this ends.
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Yes it is, JC. I remember seeing this ferry run. Never took it, but wish now I had.
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That’s a long running ferry.
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One of the longest running on the Ohio. I remember seeing it run. Never took it, wish now I had back then.
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The same is happening here in Denmark. We are a country consisting mainly of islands and a large peninsula with connection to Germany. There is a large number of small ferries and larger ferries connecting the islands, which by and by get replaced by bridges. Now they even want to build a bridge or tunnel over to Germany, which i consider as madness. Especially as none of the other countries, who would be using the bridge/tunnel want to chip in to finance it (Sweden, Germany). Luckily people here are using the small ferries, as they often are shortcuts, so they are still running.
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Interesting. I am glad that at least some of the ferries remain in use. Can’t imagine the cost of that bridge or tunnel to Germany.
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