The History and Significance of Bulls Ferry and Jacob's Ferry in New Jersey

Bulls Ferry: An Early Hudson River Crossing

Bulls Ferry was established in 1755 across the Hudson River from 125th Street in Manhattan to what is now the Stevens Institute of Technology campus. It took advantage of a shallow, narrow stretch of the river perfect for ferry travel.

The ferry got its name from the Bull family who lived on and farmed the land nearby. Its strategic location made it a gateway for goods and people moving between New York City and northern New Jersey.

Role in the Revolutionary War

During the American Revolution, control of Bulls Ferry became a critical strategic objective. Its capture allowed the British to access the interior of New Jersey and threaten Patriot communication and supply lines.

In July 1780, General George Washington and his troops attempted to take the ferry back, but were ultimately forced to withdraw across the Hudson to Fort Lee. Despite the defeat, Washington's efforts demonstrated the ferry's military and economic importance.

A Bustling Crossing for Commerce

After the revolution, Bulls Ferry once again became an active crossing for commerce and travel. Its location near routes leading west made it a transportation hub.

Goods like cotton, tobacco, iron, leather, and livestock were carried over Bulls Ferry. The Bull family rebuilt ferry operations destroyed during the war due to the high demand.

However, this stretch of the Hudson was still difficult to navigate. Shoals and other obstacles remained ongoing challenges for regular ferry service.

Jacob's Ferry Provided a More Reliable Crossing

By the early 1800s, the need for a more reliable Hudson River crossing led to the establishment of Jacob's Ferry in 1818. Jacob Vandervoort, a local businessman, acquired land 2 miles south near modern-day Edgewater, NJ.

Vandervoort’s Transportation Monopoly

Jacob Vandervoort intended the new ferry location to become part of a transportation monopoly. In addition to the ferry service, he operated the Hackensack Plank Road Turnpike connecting the river crossing to Newark and beyond.

Vandervoort invested substantial funds into the landings, roads, bridges, and infrastructure needed to run a larger, more sophisticated ferry operation. His regular steamboat ferry service proved much more profitable than Bulls Ferry.

The Ferry in the Civil War

During the Civil War, Jacob's Ferry held a pivotal role for moving Union troops and supplies. Its stable service and direct route to New York City made it a vital military asset.

In 1864, Confederate spies actually tried to destroy Jacob’s Ferry by burning steamboats at the pier. They hoped to disrupt Union operations, but the ferry was quickly repaired and put back into action.

The End of an Era

By the start of the 20th century, both Bulls Ferry and Jacob’s Ferry had seen their final crossings. The construction of railroads, bridges, and tunnels made the ferries obsolete as transportation technology advanced.

The Demise of Bulls Ferry

Bulls Ferry ceased operations in the 1860s. Extensive land development had made navigating the narrow river stretch nearly impossible. The demand for crossings also declined after the Civil War with new transit options available.

Today, remnants of landings on both sides of the Hudson are the only indications that New Jersey and New York were once connected there.

Jacob’s Ferry Outlasted its Rival

In contrast, Jacob’s Ferry continued operating for several more decades. It remained an important route until the construction of the modern George Washington Bridge nearby in 1931.

The last ferry crossed the Hudson in 1935 after 117 years of service. But Vandervoort’s legacy lives on as Edgewater’s founding father. Streets and memorials still bear his name.

The Modern Legacy of River Crossings

While no longer running, Bulls Ferry and Jacob’s Ferry left an enduring mark on northern New Jersey. They played indispensable economic, military, and transportation roles for over two centuries.

Their spirit lives on in infrastructure like the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels and George Washington Bridge. These modern river crossings continue connecting New Jersey to New York just as the ferries did generations before.

FAQs

Why were these Hudson River ferries so important?

Bulls Ferry and Jacob’s Ferry provided critical transportation links between New Jersey and New York for over 200 years. They facilitated trade and commerce and were strategic assets during the Revolutionary War and Civil War due to their location.

When did ferries first start crossing at these locations?

Bulls Ferry began operations in 1755 and Jacob’s Ferry followed in 1818 about 2 miles downstream. Their proximity to routes leading west made them ideal places to ferry goods and people.

Who were the ferries named after?

Bulls Ferry took its name from the Bull family farm located on the New Jersey side of the crossing. Jacob’s Ferry was named for businessman Jacob Vandervoort who established the ferry service as part of a transportation monopoly.

Why did the ferries ultimately cease running?

New transportation technology like railroads, bridges and tunnels made the ferry crossings obsolete by the early 20th century. Construction of the nearby George Washington Bridge also contributed to Jacob’s Ferry ending service in 1935.