Canton Ferry
The Canton Ferry is the longest continually operating ferry service on the Mississippi River.
The first known ferry service began operation a few miles north of Canton around 1844. This ferry carried on a prosperous business providing not only local transportation, but also serving as a gateway to the west for many covered wagon caravans and gold seeking forty-niners.
Early Canton ferries were powered by two horses walking on treadmills connected to paddlewheels. Today the Canton ferry is powered by two 195 horsepower V-6 diesel engines.
On Feb 24, 1853 the first recorded Canton ferry service charter was granted to Christian University (now Culver-Stockton College). This ferry was called the Lewis-Adams presumably named after the two immediate counties served… Lewis County, MO. & Adams County IL… Fares set-forth by this initial charter were; Footmen 10c. Team and Wagon 50c.
Getting There & Details
- Admission
- Cars & Pickups $5 one way, $9 Round trip
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 7am-7pm..........Sat-Sun 8am-7pm
- Address
- Mississippi Riverfront
- Phone
- 573-288-3230
- Map
- Get Directions →
Handicapped Accessible.
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