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The ferry is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, ferries in continuous operation in the United States. In addition to it's longevity, the ferry is also of historical importance, being one of the locations where Slave runner Patty Cannon embarked with kidnapped runaway slaves and free blacks, selling them back into servitude in Georgia .

The Ferry was established in the 1740's by James Cannon, and operated by his son Jacob after his death. After Jacob's death in 1793, his widow petitioned the Delaware General Assembly for exclusive rights to operate a ferry service across the river. The Ferry was privately operated by the Cannon family until the mid-19th century, when the General Assembly authorized the county to operate a free ferry at the location of "Cannon's Ferry".

In 1935 the Delaware Department of Transportation assumed responsibility for the operation of the Ferry and has continued to operate it into the 21st century.

The 65-foot long Virigina C is . The total cost for the update project will be between 1.3 and 1.7 million dollars.

A festival is held every September to celebrate the Ferry and it's contribution to local culture.


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