It is believed to be the oldest continuously operated ferry service in the United States.

[3] Originally a raft that was poled across the Connecticut River, it was then powered by a horse on a treadmill before being upgraded to a steamship in 1876.

[4] The historic district also encompasses farmscapes of the Great Meadows in South Glastonbury that preserve 17th-century land use patterns and Colonial and Greek Revival farmhouses, as well as the homes of shipbuilders and merchant traders near the two landings, including several examples of Colonial and Italianate architecture.

[7] Until 2024[8] the ferry was the only river crossing accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists between Hartford and Middletown, preventing what would otherwise have been a thirteen-mile (19 km) detour for them.

[9] Operating between April 1 and November 30 (except Thanksgiving Day), the toll for cars is $5 on weekdays, and $6 on weekends.