From my research the ferry at Georgetown had been in operation from 1794 to 1949. The militia from Burgettstown marched along the Catfish Camp Trail and crossed the Ohio River at Georgetown on Dawson’s Ferry. The militia was joining Gen Anthony Wayne in the campaign of 1794. Other references to the crossing at Georgetown, such as the Moravian missionaries who crossed the river as early as 1772, did not include the word “ferry”. The ferry ceased operation due to a fatal accident in 1949.
Georgetown Landing 1935 (Anna L and John F Nash Collection)
The name of the ferry or operating company has changed through the years. The name changed from Dawson to Smith and back again a few times. According to the writing on this image, the William M Semple Ferry Company was the operator in 1935.
The home on the bluff was built by the Thomas Poe, sold to Robert D Laughlin in the 1870’s.
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Tags: Dawson's Ferry, georgetown