Wilson Ferry

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Location: Approximately 3 miles NE of Stanley on what was once called the Booneville Rd. It ran just east of the French Islands in the Ohio river. Located at the end of the present-day Wimsatt Rd.

Owner: George S. Wilson

The Wilson Ferry was owned and operated by Judge George S. Wilson and family. The Judge planned, designed and built the ferry and part of both roads leading to it. It was started around 1930 and became very successful advertising the shortest route to Evansville.

Many local businesses used the ferry regularly, such as Ideal Pure Milk and various grocery distributors. In the fall, there may be up to 100 per day crossing the river. It took about twenty minutes to make the trip one way and cost one dollar for trucks and twenty-five cents for cars.

The Judge allowed the people of Stanley the use of the ferry for hauling livestock to Owensboro in the 1937 flood. Tommy Stevenson was in charge going twenty-four hours a day.

On June 25, 1941, the Owensboro Bridge Commissioner purchased the Wilson Ferry and the Cypress Beach Ferry, both of which had plied across the Ohio River west of Owensboro for years.

Judge George S. Wilson, head of the Wilson Ferry Company said anxiety to cooperate in supporting the new Owensboro Bridge, which was nearing its first full year, as a link between Kentucky and Indiana led to the decision to sell. Only the ferry franchises, licenses and other rights were involved in the sale of the ferries according to the Messenger.

Purchase of the two ferries raised to five the number the bridge commission had secured after the bridge opened. First was the Owensboro ferry and second and third were the Ellis and Smeathers and Rockport ferries.

Deed Information

Year Grantee Grantor Book Page Description
1930 Wilson Ferry Co Eliza P McCarty 125 179 3A Ohio River & Gravel Rd
1933 Wilson Ferry Co Daviess Co Board of Education 135 269 Land - Stanley
1934 Commonwealth of KY Wilson Ferry Co 134 303 Right of Way
1937 Wilson Ferry Co Hawesville Deposit Bank 190 23 38.25ac & Lots - Ohio River
1941 George S. Wilson Wilson Ferry Co 190 25 Lots - Ohio River
1941 Owensboro Bridge Comm Wilson Ferry Co 150 296 Ferry Rights, Franchise & Privileges