Established by the early nineteenth century as Conrad's Ferry, White's Ferry linked Virginia farmers to markets in Maryland and Washington, DC, via the C&O Canal. During the Civil War, Union and Confederate forces used the ferry, including Mosby's Rangers and McCausland's Cavalry during Jubal Early's march on Washington in 1864, as well as troops led by Elijah V. ("Lige") White during campaigns and raids in Maryland. After the war, White purchased the ferry and renamed it.