Shame...it was always a scenic drive through country roads at slow speed to wind down and enjoy the day. And the peaceful ferry ride always ended too soon reaching the Virginia side where traffic became hellish quickly, even 12-15 years ago.
Beat the other river crossings hands down. Glad that was a quiet secret known to few that lasted as long as it did.
Mosby’s Grey Ghosts are said to have used the crossing
And Jubal Early, the former commander of Lt. Col. Elijah V. White, who purchased “Coonrod’s” ferry after the war, hence the name of the ferry. Ferry needed for the deeper water area at that point, more commonly used specific shoal areas to cross, and frequently Seneca Ford and at Point of Rocks. Mosby’s being the 43rd Battalion (Partisan Rangers) from Loudon and Fauquier counties. Elijah V. White’s “Comanches” being the 35th Battalion (Partisan Rangers). Both units raided for supplies and wreaked havoc on the C&O Canal and other private businesses.
The current owners of Rockland (run as a wedding venue, and other revenue means) have published a history of the contretemps. Posting after this.