At 81 years old, the 28-car ferry, the Virginia, has made thousands of trips across the James River, connecting Jamestown and Scotland.
When she turns 82 in spring 2018, a new ferry carrying a name rooted in strength and history will take her place.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board voted Wednesday to name the newest ferry in the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry system the “Powhatan,” according to a Virginia Department of Transportation news release.
The 70-car ferry is named after Chief Powhatan, Pocahontas’ father and chief of the Algonquin tribes in eastern Virginia, the release said.
The resolution, which was passed unanimously by the transportation board, states “Powhatan” is a “strong name for a strong vessel,” the release said.
The vessel is being built in Pascagoula, Miss., and is anticipated to be delivered to Virginia in spring 2018.
The ferry is included in the state’s Six-Year Improvement Plan for 2013-2018, which allocates $2.5 million for the vessel’s design and $25 million for construction.
Both the James City County and Surry County Board of Supervisors passed resolutions in support of the new name, the release said.
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation also submitted a letter to the transportation board, suggesting VDOT find a way to “highlight the story of Powhatan” on board the vessel.
The Powhatan will join three other ships in the Jamestown-Scotland fleet including the 50-car Williamsburg, 50-car Surry and 70-car Pocahontas.
