April 7, 2010

Long before the streams of Arkansas were spanned by bridges, the ferry was the most common way to cross deep bodies of water. Many early ferries were privately owned and generally were only large enough to carry one or two vehicles. Shown here in the 1960s is the Toad Suck Ferry crossing the Arkansas River near Conway (Faulkner County). It is said by some that, in territorial days, travelers would stop at a nearby tavern where they would drink until they swelled up like toads. Thus the colorful name, although other explanations of the name have been offered.