In the early 18th century, the Potomac River served as a significant barrier to travel and trade between Virginia and Maryland. The establishment of ferry services was crucial for facilitating movement and commerce across this natural boundary. One of the most notable ferry services of the time was operated by Evan Watkins, who began his service in 1741. This article delves into the history, significance, and legacy of Evan Watkins’ ferry service, which played a pivotal role in the region’s development.

Establishment and Early Operation

Evan Watkins, born in 1709, was a pioneering settler in the area that would later become Berkeley County, West Virginia. In 1741, Watkins established a ferry service across the Potomac River, near the mouth of the Conococheague Creek, a strategic location that connected the Virginia and Maryland shores. This ferry was crucial for the transportation of people, livestock, and goods, significantly impacting the local economy and settlement patterns.

In 1744, the Virginia House of Burgesses formally recognized Watkins’ ferry service, granting him a license to operate the ferry. This official endorsement not only legitimized his operations but also set standardized rates for ferry crossings. The fare was set at three pence for a man, a reasonable fee that made the service accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Strategic Importance

Watkins’ ferry quickly became an essential crossing point on the Potomac River. Its location was particularly significant as it lay along the path of the “Great Waggon Road,” a major route that facilitated the movement of settlers from Pennsylvania through Maryland into central Virginia[4]. This road was a critical artery for westward expansion and the ferry provided a vital link in this transportation network.

The strategic importance of Watkins’ ferry was further underscored during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). In 1755, General Edward Braddock and his aide, George Washington, crossed the Potomac at Watkins’ ferry on their way to Fort Duquesne. This crossing was part of Braddock’s ill-fated expedition against the French, which ended in a disastrous defeat. The ferry’s role in this military campaign highlighted its significance as a logistical asset.

Economic and Social Impact

The establishment of Watkins’ ferry had a profound impact on the local economy. It facilitated trade and commerce between the Virginia and Maryland shores, allowing for the exchange of agricultural products, livestock, and manufactured goods. The ferry also enabled settlers to move more easily into the frontier regions, contributing to the growth and development of new communities.

Watkins’ ferry also had a social impact, serving as a gathering point for travelers and locals alike. The area around the ferry landing became a hub of activity, with taverns and inns springing up to cater to the needs of those waiting to cross the river. This social interaction helped to knit together the disparate communities on either side of the Potomac, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose.

Legacy and Later Developments

After Evan Watkins’ death in 1765, the ferry service continued to operate under various owners. In 1795, the property, including the ferry, was sold to Peter Light, who expanded the house and continued the ferry operations. The ferry was later known as Light’s Ferry[1][4]. In 1854, ownership passed to Robert Lemen, who introduced a cable mechanism to improve the ferry’s efficiency and safety. This innovation marked a significant technological advancement in ferry operations, ensuring more reliable crossings.

The ferry remained in operation until the early 20th century. In 1908, the construction of the first bridge across the Potomac River at this location rendered the ferry obsolete. The bridge, built by the Washington-Berkeley Bridge Company, provided a more permanent and reliable means of crossing the river, marking the end of an era for Watkins’ ferry.

Conclusion

Evan Watkins’ ferry service, established in 1741, played a crucial role in the development of the region around the Potomac River. It facilitated trade, commerce, and settlement, serving as a vital link in the transportation network of the time. The ferry’s strategic importance was highlighted during the French and Indian War, and its economic and social impacts were felt by the communities it connected. Although the ferry ceased operations in the early 20th century, its legacy endures as a testament to the ingenuity and enterprise of early American settlers. Today, the site of Watkins’ ferry, marked by the historic Maidstone-on-the-Potomac, stands as a reminder of this important chapter in the history of Berkeley County, West Virginia.

Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maidstone-on-the-Potomac
[2] https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~rawl/family/watkinsferry.html
[3] https://theclio.com/entry/50984
[4] https://wmspthistory.org/ferries