x
Breaking News
More () »

Maryland's Oxford-Bellevue Ferry still strong after 3 centuries

The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is one of the oldest companies in the United States.

<p>The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry</p>

OXFORD, Md. (WUSA9) – Long before the United States was born, before Washington, Franklin and Jefferson, the towns of Oxford and Bellevue, Maryland had been connected by a ferry. After three centuries, this business is still going strong.

MORE: Scott Rensberger Open Road Stories

The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is one of the oldest companies in the United States.

"Just imagine you’re riding on a ferry company that started almost 90 years before the American Revolution," said Captain Tom Bixler.

For 333 years this ferry service has been a part of Maryland’s landscape. Today, Judy and Tom Bixler own this part of American history.

Plaque explaining the history of the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry

"The Difference is she out ranks me. We named her the admiral. I’m just the senior Captain," Tom said.

The couple rarely works together. Judy takes the morning shift and Tom takes whatever Judy tells him to take.

"Well, I work when I'm told because Judy makes up all the shifts."

"It’s 3 quarters of a mile to Oxford to Bellevue," said Judy.

"Generally, we run the trip in about 8 to 10 minutes," said Tom.

"So, it’s a short trip. I think that’s our biggest complaint is that it’s too short. People don’t want it to end," said Judy.

The Bixler’s have owned the ferry for 15 years. On a good day, they can fit nine cars onboard. But their record is 18.

"We’ve had 18 mini coopers," said Judy.

"We legitimately had 18 mini coopers on. Biggest load I know of," said Tom. "We’ve taken fire trucks out to fight a boat fire. You know over the years the ferry has done a lot of fabulous things."

"My husband rescued a dog that had gotten out in the middle of the river and couldn’t get home," said Judy.

When you own a company more than three centuries old, there’s bound to be a boatload of stories. And the greatest story on Judy and Tom’s watch happened when Tom challenged two large paddle boats, from another county, to a race.

"I don’t like to talk about that. I had bad intel," said Tom.

"We lost the race. We were the slowest boat out there," said Judy with a laugh. "They actually put my husband before a firing squad at the next Oxford day because he dishonored Oxford."

"And I was going to be shot at the pole down here. But, the police chief rescued me," said Tom.

If you want to get from point A to B in a hurry. Take a bridge. But if you want to stop and smell history, Judy and Tom Bixler have a ferry tale you can ride.

"Yes, 43 years I’ve been married to her," Tom said.

It’s a love story.

About 85 percent of the passengers are tourists. The Ferry is seasonal. It doesn’t run during the winter months.

MORE: Scott Rensberger Open Road Stories

If you know of a special place or person you think Scott should profile for our Open Road reports, contact us on Facebook or Twitter at @wusa9. You can also email us at newstips@wusa9.com.

Before You Leave, Check This Out