On July 1, 1964, at 6:47 a.m., The First Ferry departing from Lewes left seven minutes later than scheduled. It carried eight vehicles and 15 passengers. At the same time, the first ferry leaving Cape May carried six passenger cars, a truck, a mobile trailer, and 26 passengers. Andrea Lippi was pictured as the first vehicle and passenger aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferries on its first public crossing, driving a 1964 black Ford Mustang. By the end of the first month of sailings, 27,250 vehicles and 107,000 passengers crossed the Delaware Bay on the ferry. Little did anyone know what would come over the next 60 years!
Today, July 1, 2024, marks the 60th anniversary of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Over the past 60 years, the ferry has completed approximately 300,000 crossings, transported more than 17 million vehicles, and served over 50 million passengers.
“While a lot has changed in the past six decades, the Ferry has always provided a break from the ordinary – a fun, relaxing way to add family memories to your vacation experience,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations.
