Hills Ferry was a small unincorporated community of the northern San Joaquin Valley in Stanislaus County, California. Hills Ferry was located at 37°20′56″N 120°58′47″W / 37.34889°N 120.97972°W, on the southern border of Stanislaus County with Merced County, 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of the city of Newman.
Hills Ferry is just west of the river mouth of the Merced River, at its confluence with the San Joaquin River.
History
[edit]A ferry across the San Joaquin River was established in 1850, and by 1854 was transferred to Jesse Hill, resulting in the name Hill's Ferry. The ferry quickly became a shipping point for grain grown in the surrounding area, and was particularly busy during the autumn harvest. By the late 1870s, Hill's Ferry had hundreds of residents with many more in the surrounding ranches. When the railroad was built through Newman in 1888, Hill's Ferry quickly declined.[1] The Simon Newman Company store building was in Hills Ferry, which later served as Fisher's Opera House until demolished in 1904.
In July 1906, a fire near Hills Ferry and Newman destroyed 2,500 acres of wheat and barley and 20,000 acres of pasture, along with hay, farm equipment and buildings.[2] "Not even the shadows of a ghost town" remained as of 1976.[3]
In May 1868, Scottish botanist John Muir crossed here on his walk from Oakland to Yosemite. (Muir, John, “Rambles of a Botanist Among the Plants and Climates of California” (1872)
Places of Interest
[edit]- Historic Hils Ferry Crossing: Established in 1849 by Judge O.D. Dickerson, the ferry was later operated by Jesse Hill—whose name the site still bears—with a historic marker installed in 1964 by the Boy Scouts commemorating its role in regional transport [1]. The river crossing was once the hub of a prosperous agricultural community, thriving especially during the wheat boom of the late 1800s until its decline following a railroad bypass and devastating fire [2]
- Hills Ferry Cemetery: Dating to the late 1800s, this cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of the area's early settlers and local veterans, reflecting the deep agricultural and community roots of Hills Ferry [3]. Known for its tranquil, tree-lined grounds, the cemetery offers a peaceful environment and a connection to the region's past.
- Hills Ferry Road Bridge and River Ecology: A low-span bridge now spans the San Joaquin River near the original ferry site, offering glimpses into the area’s early transport routes. As a birdwatching hotspot, located on the San Joaquin River’s edge, this site attracts evening congregations of waterfowl and shorebirds, making it a favored spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers [4]
Visiting Tips
[edit]- The historic marker and cemetery are accessible via Hills Ferry Road near Newman—both landmarks offer tangible links to the region’s 19th-century history [5]
- Outdoor enthusiasts may also enjoy riverbank walks, particularly at dusk when migratory birds return to roost along the river.
Though Hills Ferry no longer functions as a bustling town, these sites preserve its legacy—from its pioneering river crossing and vibrant agricultural era to its quiet modern riverside charm [6]
References
[edit]- ^ Smith, Beth (July 24, 1980). "Raucous, wide-open atmosphere earmarked Hill's Ferry's early days". The West Side Index. Newman, CA. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
- ^ eReferencedesk.com: History of Stanislaus County, California
- ^ Crow, Tracey (September 2, 1976). "Hill's Ferry: Hectic, exciting, and some lawlessness". The West Side Index. Newman, CA. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
Municipalities and communities of Stanislaus County, California, United States | ||
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37°20′56″N 120°58′47″W / 37.34889°N 120.97972°W
- agricultural and community roots of Hills Ferr
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