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Ferry
Crossings
River crossings were routinely perilous. They claimed wagons, provisions, livestock and the lives of many pioneers. Soon enterprising pioneers recognized the lucrative potential of establishing ferries. In 1847, Brigham Young assigned a crew to establish the Oregon Trail's first ferry along the North Platte River at Bessemer Bend. This first ferry consisted of eight dugout canoes lashed together with timbers laid across the top.
These entrepreneurs, and others who operated ferries further along the trail, often faced fierce competition as rival ferries were soon established near-by. Ferries were a common conveyance by the 1850's, crossing every major river and many minor ones.
Ferries added a substantial degree of safety, thus high fees were often demanded. To prevent possible catastrophe, the emigrants would grudgingly pay the costly fees.
River crossings were routinely perilous. They claimed wagons, provisions, livestock and the lives of many pioneers. Soon enterprising pioneers recognized the lucrative potential of establishing ferries. In 1847, Brigham Young assigned a crew to establish the Oregon Trail's first ferry along the North Platte River at Bessemer Bend. This first ferry consisted of eight dugout canoes lashed together with timbers laid across the top.
These entrepreneurs, and others who operated ferries further along the trail, often faced fierce competition as rival ferries were soon established near-by. Ferries were a common conveyance by the 1850's, crossing every major river and many minor ones.
Ferries added a substantial degree of safety, thus high fees were often demanded. To prevent possible catastrophe, the emigrants would grudgingly pay the costly fees.
