The Merrimac Ferry is still a sturdy and popular survivor among the river ferries. Colsac IIIĪ new 15-car, $2.2 million Colsac III was constructed by Basic Marine in Escanaba, Michigan, and dedicated on May 6, 2003. Tourists flock by the thousands to take the mile-long boat trip, despite the location of the interstate system bridge only 12 miles away.Ĭolsac II was retired from service on November 4, 2002. It transported four cars in each of the three rows across the water in about seven minutes. It resided in the village park for many years and was finally "recycled." Colsac IIĬolsac II, built by Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wisconsin, cost approximately $77,000 and was capable of carrying 12 vehicles as compared with the old eight-car Colsac. The village of Merrimac purchased the old ferry boat, Colsac, for $300 to be used for historical purposes. The first Colsac was also propelled by a gasoline engine. In later years, a small gasoline-propelled boat was installed. A cable was stretched across the river on which the ferry rode and ropes were adjusted at the proper angle to take advantage of the current. Area residents recall stories of a "scow being pulled across the river by horses harnessed to a long cable," but later it was current propelled. Various methods have been used over the years to propel the vessel.
Salary of a buggy ice driver free#
It has operated as a free ferry since Columbia and Sauk counties turned it over to the state without charge. It was operated as a toll ferry by these counties until 1933, when it was acquired by the old State Highway Commission. The original "Colsac" (a phonetic combination of the two names, Columbia and Sauk counties) was built in 1924 in Dubuque, Iowa. Photo courtesy of the town of Merrimac website.Ĭars waiting in line to board the Merrimac Ferry, Colsac. Flanders, took over the service in 1849 for the sum of $700, and for many years it continued as a private operation. But, whatever the fare, the ferryman earned it for his muscles provided a good share of the ferry's power until a gasoline engine was added around the turn of the century. Mattson charged either 0.35 cents or $1 to ferry a team and wagon across the river, depending upon who you're talking to. Old Merrimac ferry - carrying horse, a buggy and a few passengers.
The ferry was operated long before the development of a regular roadway.
In 1844, four years before Wisconsin became a state, Chester Mattson, the second settler on the site of the village of Merrimac, obtained charters to provide ferry service at this location.
It shuttles WIS 113 traffic between Okee, on the east bank, and Merrimac on the west.įerry service has been provided in this area for more than a century. The Merrimac Ferry, which crosses the Wisconsin River between Sauk and Columbia counties, is Wisconsin's only free ferry. Colsac | Colsac II | Colsac III | Vehicle/trip counts
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