Although they followed somewhat different paths of development, the ferry, established in 1655, has been a continuing presence joining the landing areas on either side of the Connecticut River.

[2] The area of South Glastonbury that surrounds the eastern ferry landing has a long history of agricultural use.

The broad meadows in the Connecticut River flood plain were used agriculturally by Native American prior to the arrival of English colonists, and were surveyed and subdivided by Wethersfield residents in the 1640s.

The landscape on the west side of the river is characterized by a narrow flood plain, most of which was held in common by the town and has never been significantly developed.

The Connecticut Valley Railroad was built through the landing area in 1871, providing transport to market for goods produced in South Glastonbury.