The First Licensed Ferry Historical Marker (1847)
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
This historical marker commemorates the first license given to John B. Scott in 1847 for regular ferry service across the Des Moines River. Scott ran the business with his brother, Wilson. The marker also notes that the first pontoon bridge was built in 1856 where the Grand Avenue bridge is now located. The mark also shares the history of the first toll bridge in the area which was constructed at Court Avenue in 1856.
Images
The marker is located next to the Des Moines River adjacent to Grand Avenue.
Sources
"Discovering historic Iowa transportation milestones." Iowa Department of Transportation. No date. Accessed April 10, 2019. https://iowadot.gov/histbook.pdf.
"The First Licensed Ferry." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed April 10, 2019. https://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=41875.
"History of Des Moines County." Des Moines County. Accessed April 10, 2019. https://www.dmcounty.com/97/County-History.
Photo: The Historical Marker Database
"The First Licensed Ferry." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed April 10, 2019. https://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=41875.
"History of Des Moines County." Des Moines County. Accessed April 10, 2019. https://www.dmcounty.com/97/County-History.
Photo: The Historical Marker Database