Avent’s Ferry: Known But Unknown To Most Raleigh Residents

Most people in Raleigh have heard of Avent Ferry Road, maybe they’ve seen a road by the same name 15 miles south in Holly Springs, but few of them know where Avent’s Ferry actually was.

The ferry operated from1775 until 1926, and was vital for transportation and commerce in central North Carolina. The state replaced the ferry with a bridge in 1926, but roads heading south from Raleigh and through Holly Springs still bear its name.

Today, where NC-42 crosses the Cape Fear River, you’re driving across the bridge the replaced Avent Ferry.

Bridge over the Cape Fear River at NC-42, between Sanford and Corinth, NC
photo by the author, 3/20/2021
Avent’s Ferry Bridge as seen from the boat launch at the northern end of the bridge.
A historical sign denotes the location of the historic ferry.
The location of Avent’s Ferry relative to Raleigh.

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Charles Boyer

I'm a NASA kid originally from Cocoa Beach, FL, born of Project Apollo. My family worked for NASA and/or their contractors, and I watched it all as a kid. And what kid doesn't like rockets? Currently, I am an IT engineer, a recovered R&D scientist that spent time in laser metrology, fiber optic applications and also lightning protection. I'm also a photographer, a writer and a bad musician. My favorite things are space, boating, sports, music and traveling. You can find me on Twitter as @TheOldManPar.

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