Knights Ferry
Founded in 1849 by Dr. William Knight as a river crossing for Gold Rush miners. His ferry earned $50
State: California
County: Stanislaus County
Founded: 1849
Founded in 1849 by Dr. William Knight as a river crossing for Gold Rush miners. His ferry earned $500/day. Features the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi (330-379 ft), built 1863 after the original was destroyed in the Great Flood of 1862. Was county seat 1862-1871.
Timeline
- 1849 - Founding Dr. William Knight established ferry crossing. River bars and gulches were rich with gold.
- November 1849 - Knight Killed Dr. Knight died in a gunfight.
- 1852 - First Bridge Toll bridge replaced ferry.
- 1862 - Great Flood Original bridge destroyed. County seat moved here from La Grange.
- 1863 - Covered Bridge Built Current Howe truss covered bridge constructed at higher elevation.
- 1871-1872 - Railroad Bypasses Lost county seat to Modesto when railroad arrived.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Tips
- Walk the longest covered bridge west of Mississippi
- General store operating since 1850s
- Mill ruins visible
- Old iron jail preserved
Quick Facts
- Dr. Knight's ferry earned $500 per day—fortune in 1849
- Founder was killed in gunfight months after establishing town
- Covered bridge is longest west of Mississippi River
- Bridge was built higher after Great Flood of 1862 destroyed original
Location
Address: Knights Ferry, Stanislaus County, California
Coordinates: 37.8186, -120.6694