Storm King (ferry)
The Storm King was a passenger ferry that operated on the Hudson River between Newburgh and Beacon, New York, from approximately the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. It provided an important transportation link across the river, connecting the communities for commerce, commuting, and leisure travel. The ferry's primary purpose was to transport passengers and vehicles, including automobiles, before the construction of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
The vessel, named after Storm King Mountain, a prominent peak located south of Newburgh, was a well-known and recognizable fixture of the Hudson River landscape for many years. While precise details of its construction and dimensions are often debated across historical sources, it is generally accepted to have been a substantial vessel capable of carrying a significant number of passengers and vehicles.
The Storm King ferry played a crucial role in the economic and social life of the Newburgh and Beacon region. It facilitated trade between the two cities and allowed residents to access jobs, services, and recreational opportunities on either side of the Hudson River. Its operation ceased following the opening of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge in 1963, which provided a faster and more efficient means of crossing the river. The ferry's decommissioning marked the end of an era in Hudson River transportation.