The Rocky Hill ferry has earned a place in history as the nation's oldest continuously operating ferry service. The Hollister III, an open flatboat is towed across the Connecticut River a towboat.

The Mersey Ferry in Liverpool, England, is widely considered the oldest continuously operating ferry service in the world, with its origins dating back to 1150 AD. It was established by the Benedictine monks of Birkenhead Priory, who initially rowed passengers across the River Mersey for a small fee. In the United States, the title of the oldest continuously operating ferry belongs to the Rocky Hill–Glastonbury Ferry in Connecticut. This service began in 1655 and continues to transport vehicles and pedestrians across the Connecticut River today using an open flatboat towed by a small tugboat. While modern technology has replaced the wooden oars and sails of the past, these routes have remained vital local transport links for centuries. Whether crossing the industrial waters of the Mersey or the tranquil Connecticut River, these historic ferries represent a living connection to the maritime history of their respective regions and continue to be a beloved part of the local infrastructure in 2026.