Welcome to the Glastonbury–Rocky Hill Ferry Historic District, a place where history flows as steadily as the Connecticut River itself. This district, straddling the towns of Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, is home to one of the oldest continuously operating ferry services in the United States, dating back to 1655. Over the centuries, this ferry has been a vital link across the river, connecting communities and fostering economic growth.
The history of this area is deeply rooted in agriculture and trade. The fertile floodplains of the Connecticut River were first cultivated by Native American tribes before being surveyed and settled by English colonists in the 1640s. The district’s oldest home, the Thomas Treat house, built around 1700, still stands on Tryon Street, offering a glimpse into early colonial life.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the district evolved with the construction of farm buildings and ferry-related infrastructure on the Glastonbury side. Meanwhile, on the Rocky Hill side, a major flood in 1700 transformed the area into Wethersfield’s principal port, sparking a period of shipbuilding and trade. The Connecticut Valley Railroad’s arrival in 1871 further boosted the region’s economic prospects, facilitating the transport of goods produced in South Glastonbury.
Throughout the centuries, the ferry district has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, from the agricultural pursuits of its early settlers to its role in the broader economic tapestry of Connecticut. Today, visitors can stroll through this historic district, where the past is still palpable in the architecture and landscape.
The Glastonbury–Rocky Hill Ferry Historic District is a testament to the enduring legacy of those who lived and worked here, a place where history is not just remembered, but lived.
