History of the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry began service in 1769. It was originally operated by Jonathan Warner, who owned the land on both sides of the Connecticut River. Warner's Ferry, as it was called back then, connected King's Highway in Fort Hill, Parish of Chester, to Norwich Road in Lyme. The ferry was often used throughout the Revolutionary War to transport needed supplies across the river.
The Original Ferry
The original ferry was pushed across the river using long poles. A steam-powered barge began to serve the ferry crossing in 1879. The ferry was named the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry in 1882, and it was operated by the Town of Chester. In 1917, the ferry was turned over to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Modernized in 1949
The present ferry, the Selden III, was built in 1949. It is an open, self-propelled craft, 65 feet long and 30 feet wide. The vessel can accommodate 8 to 9 cars and 49 passengers. The Selden III provides a convenient, direct link between Chester and Hadlyme at Route 148.
The 65-foot-long diesel-run ferry is a quaint wonder and a convenience for business and pleasure conducted across the river. For tourists, attractions include Gillette’s Castle in Hadlyme on the east side and, on the west side of the river, the Essex Steam Train. The ferry ride is actually a continuation of scenic Route 148, from Chester to Hadlyme. Traveling east, it’s a real distance-saver to take the ferry when driving from Chester to Lyme. It’s 20.3 miles overland via the East Haddam bridge, but only 8.3 miles via the ferry and then some.