Newburgh-Beacon Ferry and Ice

The Newburgh ferry "Orange" travels through the ice-choked ferry channel. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.

On Saturday we featured a historic wooden sign from the Newburgh Ferry Terminal. Today, for Media Monday, we're sharing some stories from the ferry.

This first story, from the Sound & Story Project, tells of what happened when the ferry encountered some ice.

Sound and Story Project · On a cold winter's night, what unexpected encounter occurred on the Newburgh-Beacon ferry?

To hear what the ferry might have sounded like traveling through the ice, check out this historic recording from Conrad Milster, who recorded the ferry Dutchess​ traveling through the ice. 

Sound and Story Project · Oh lord it sounds like there's a ton of rocks being rotated in an oil drum

The Newburgh-Beacon ferry ceased operation in 1963 with the opening of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, but was revived in 2006 as a commuter ferry for residents traveling to the Beacon train station. 

Have you ever traveled on the Newburgh-Beacon ferry, either the original or the new one? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!

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