A few wooden pilings and some crumbling concrete are all that remains of the Perth Amboy ferry landing at Bentley Street in Tottenville, Staten Island, the end of the line for Staten Island Railway trains. The long running ferry service crossed the Arthur Kill to Tottenville, with regular service beginning in early 1700s operated by Christopher Billopp, whose house, the site of a Revolutionary War conference between Colonial representatives that included Benjamin Franklin and John Adams and General Richard Howe, still stands at the western end of Hylan Boulevard. In the early motoring age the ferry was an important link for travelers to the Jersey Shore. It became less important with the 1928 opening of the Outerbridge Crossing, but continued operating until October 17, 1963.
Meanwhile, it’s apparent that Perth Amboy, NJ, takes greater care to highlight this longstanding colonial-era relic. The ferry slip was restored in 1998 to its 1904 appearance, and replica of the ticket office has been constructed and is used as a small museum. The uninitiated would think there was still a ferry running here.
With a greater emphasis on water travel over the past decade, could a restoration of Tottenville-Perth Amboy ferry service be in the cards?
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
10/10/25
1 comment
“With a greater emphasis on water travel over the past decade, could a restoration of Tottenville-Perth Amboy ferry service be in the cards?”
More likely, from either or both to Midtown Manhattan as a premium fare rush-hour service, like Seastreak.