Established by permission of King George II, Mackeys Ferry operated for 203 years making 8-mile trips from Mackeys to Edenton. The largest vessel to operate there was the John W. Garrett, a twin side-wheel steamer 351 feet by 41 feet. It carried railroad passengers and freight cars and had an onboard restaurant. It was in operation from 1870 to 1910. The southern terminus stood 1500 feet east.