2019-11-07 00:22:02
3706 Bestpitch Ferry Rd. Bucktown, MD 21613
Bestpitch Ferry Bridge is located at the site of a former ferry over the Transquaking River. This historic wooden bridge provides a view of Dorchester County marshlands. In this countryside, knowledgeable local people could hide for days, even weeks, and follow the waterways north toward Underground Railroad connections in the East New Market area, Caroline County, and onto freedom.
Many free and enslaved African- American watermen operated ferry crossings throughout the region. They transported agricultural and timber products along the region’s many rivers on rafts. This provided opportunities for freedom seekers to hitch a ride or stow away in the holds and sail away to freedom.
The Blackwater and Transquaking rivers and their tributaries provided opportunities for local residents to hunt, fish and gather food for survival. Abundant fish and fowl live and breed in these waters, and many small and larger animals, including muskrats, rabbits, squirrels and deer live in nearby marshes and woods. Nuts, berries and a variety of roots and herbs round out the possible food and medicinal supplements available to 19th-century residents.
The parking areas on both sides of the bridge provide water access for boating, fishing and kayaking. Pick up a water trail map for the Transquaking River at the Dorchester County Visitor Center.
No buses on the bridge! Be aware that the wooden bridge is one lane and cannot handle buses or heavy loads. Buses and cars should enter the Department of Natural Resources lot on the right, approaching the bridge to park and turn around.
Next Site
Head north on Bestpitch Ferry Rd. for over 4 miles. Bear right on Bucktown Rd. Travel 0.5 mile. Scott’s Chapel is on the left.
Previous Site
Head north on Bestpitch Ferry Rd. for over 4 miles. The Bucktown Store is on the right at the intersection of Greenbriar and Bucktown roads.
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