Ste. Genevieve – Modoc Ferry – A River Crossing with Deep Roots
For well over two centuries, a ferry crossing has connected the Missouri and Illinois shores of the Mississippi River near Ste. Genevieve, making it one of the oldest continuously operating transportation routes in the American Midwest. Today’s Ste. Genevieve – Modoc Ferry carries on a tradition that stretches back to the very earliest days of European settlement in the region—a living link to the frontier era when the Mississippi was both highway and boundary.
A Petition Written in French: 1798
The story of this ferry crossing begins in 1798, when residents of Ste. Genevieve formally petitioned for the establishment of a ferry service across the mighty Mississippi. The petition itself was written in French—the language of commerce, government, and daily life in this thriving French colonial river town. At that time, Ste. Genevieve was already a well-established community, one of the most important settlements in Upper Louisiana, and the need for reliable river transportation was essential for trade, communication, and connection with settlements on the Illinois side.
The Mississippi River was the superhighway of its day, but it was also a formidable barrier. Establishing a ferry wasn’t just a matter of convenience—it was vital infrastructure that would facilitate the movement of goods, people, news, and ideas between the Spanish-controlled west bank and the American-controlled east bank (Illinois had become part of the United States with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, while Missouri remained Spanish territory until the Louisiana Purchase of 1803).
That 1798 French-language petition represents a fascinating moment in American history: a predominantly French-speaking population under Spanish rule, requesting infrastructure to connect with American territory across the river, all in a region that would soon become part of the expanding United States. It’s a reminder of just how complex and multicultural the early American frontier truly was.
Centuries of Continuous Service
From those earliest days to the present, ferry service has continued at or near this crossing—through Spanish colonial rule, the Louisiana Purchase, Missouri statehood, the Civil War, industrialization, and into the modern era. While the ferries themselves have evolved dramatically—from simple pole-powered rafts to steam-powered vessels to today’s diesel-powered boats—the essential purpose remains unchanged: connecting the two shores of the Mississippi River.
The longevity of this ferry service is remarkable. While bridges now span the Mississippi at numerous points, and modern highways have replaced muddy frontier roads, the Ste. Genevieve – Modoc Ferry continues to serve those who prefer a more scenic, historic, and practical route across the river. For locals, it’s an everyday convenience. For visitors, it’s a chance to experience the Mississippi in a way that hasn’t fundamentally changed in over 200 years.
The Experience Today
Crossing the Mississippi on the Ste. Genevieve – Modoc Ferry is more than just transportation—it’s a step back in time and a connection to the river’s enduring power and presence. As you drive your vehicle onto the ferry deck and feel the gentle rocking motion as the boat pulls away from shore, you’re participating in a ritual that countless travelers have experienced before you.
The crossing offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River—sometimes placid and glassy, other times powerful and churning, but always impressive in its scale and presence. Watch for barges moving commerce up and down the river, just as keelboats and steamboats did in earlier eras. Observe the tree-lined bluffs and floodplains that have witnessed centuries of human history. Feel the breeze off the water and listen to the sound of the diesel engines—modern replacements for the muscles and poles that once propelled ferries across this same stretch of water.
A Cyclist’s Gateway to Adventure
The ferry welcomes cyclists, offering a unique opportunity for bike enthusiasts to extend their adventures across state lines. Once you reach the Illinois side, miles of scenic farmland trails await, winding through the fertile bottomlands and rolling countryside that have sustained communities for centuries. These relatively flat, peaceful routes take you through working agricultural landscapes where corn and soybean fields stretch to the horizon, past historic farmsteads, and through small communities that retain their rural character.
Cycling these Illinois backroads offers a slower, more intimate way to experience the region—feeling the rhythm of the land, breathing in the fresh country air, and enjoying the kind of tranquil riding that’s increasingly hard to find. Whether you’re planning a leisurely day trip or a more ambitious cycling tour of French colonial sites, the ferry makes it possible to create unique bike routes that simply wouldn’t exist without this historic river crossing.
Gateway to a Region of French Colonial Heritage
The ferry serves as more than a local convenience—it’s a vital link connecting visitors to an entire region rich in French colonial history. On the Illinois side, the ferry provides access to remarkable historic sites including the Pierre Menard House in Prairie du Rocher, an elegant French Creole mansion that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of early 19th-century French colonial leaders, and the impressive Fort de Chartres, where some of the most popular French heritage events and reenactments take place throughout the year.
These sites, together with Ste. Genevieve, form a broader landscape of French colonial heritage that tells the story of New France’s influence in the Mississippi Valley. The ferry makes it easy for history enthusiasts to experience multiple sites in a single trip, creating a comprehensive picture of French colonial life on both sides of the Mississippi.
In turn, the ferry connects Illinois travelers with historic Kaskaskia—once Illinois’s first state capital and a thriving French colonial settlement. Kaskaskia’s story is particularly poignant: the New Madrid Earthquake of 1811-1812 dramatically altered the Mississippi River’s course, eventually separating Kaskaskia from its Illinois motherland and leaving it stranded on the Missouri side of the river. This quirk of geological fate means that today, a small piece of Illinois exists west of the Mississippi, accessible from Missouri. The ferry facilitates visits to this fascinating geographic and historic anomaly, where visitors can explore the Liberty Bell of the West and contemplate the powerful forces—both natural and historical—that have shaped this remarkable region.
For those interested in French colonial heritage, the Ste. Genevieve – Modoc Ferry isn’t just a river crossing—it’s the thread that weaves together a tapestry of interconnected historic sites, each telling part of the larger story of French presence and influence in the American heartland.
A Living Monument
The Ste. Genevieve – Modoc Ferry is more than a working ferry—it’s a living monument to persistence, practicality, and the enduring importance of the Mississippi River in shaping the character of communities along its banks. While much has changed since that French-language petition was submitted in 1798, the fundamental need to cross the river remains, and this ferry continues to answer that need just as it has for more than two centuries.
For visitors to Ste. Genevieve, the ferry offers a unique way to arrive or depart, transforming a simple river crossing into a memorable experience that connects you directly to the town’s colonial heritage. It’s a reminder that history isn’t always found in museums and restored buildings—sometimes it’s found in the everyday infrastructure that continues to serve communities across generations.
Practical Information
The Ste. Genevieve – Modoc Ferry operates year-round (weather and river conditions permitting), carrying vehicles and passengers between Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, and Modoc, Illinois. The crossing takes approximately 10-15 minutes and offers a peaceful, scenic alternative to bridge crossings located miles upriver or downriver. A small toll is charged per vehicle. It’s currently cash only, so prepare ahead of time. There is also conflicting information out there. As of now, the ferry only operates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check associated times.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast eager to travel a route petitioned for in 1798, a photographer seeking that perfect Mississippi River shot, or simply someone who appreciates taking the road less traveled, the Ste. Genevieve – Modoc Ferry provides an experience that’s both practical and profoundly connected to the deep history of this remarkable river town.
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