Local ferry dedicated to Pat Summitt

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has officially christened its new ferry boat, “The Summitt,” named in honor of legendary Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt. The new vessel is now in service, providing a vital connection between Benton and Houston counties across the Tennessee River.

Coach Pat Summitt was head coach of the Lady Vols from 1974-2012 and is listed as the top winning coach at UT Knoxville.

Designed to push the barge “The Volunteer,” the new tug replaces one that had been in service for 67 years. The upgrade is part of TDOT’s commitment to maintaining essential transportation infrastructure. The Summitt will be piloted by Capt. George Chesser.

The vessel was constructed by McGinnis Inc. in South Point, Ohio, at a cost of $3.3 million funded through state and federal dollars. Built with a typical lifespan of 30 years, the Summitt represents a significant investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and honoring the legacy of one of Tennessee’s most celebrated figures.

The dedication ceremony was held on the Houston County side of the Tennessee River. Dignitaries and the Henry County High School (HCHS) Madrigal singers, who performed the National Anthem at the ceremony, rode the ferry across the river from Danville Landing in Benton County to the ceremony.

The barge held eight vehicles, and the crossing took four minutes. The ferry crossing can save a great deal of time and nearly 80 miles from the crossing the river at the I-40 bridge in Benton County or on the Hwy. 79 bridge in Henry County.

There appeared to be nearly 100 people in attendance at the dedication, with field representatives present for U.S. Congressman Mark Green and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn. State Representative Jay Reedy, Benton County Mayor Mark Ward, and Houston County Mayor Joey Brake also were present.

TDOT Commissioner Butch Ely spoke along with Morgan Vance from the Pat Summitt Alzheimer’s Foundation. Vance noted that the vessel being named for Summitt is a real honor, then introduced former UT Athletics Director Joan Cronan, who worked with Summitt throughout both of their long careers in college athletics.

“Pat Summitt was a winner and a humble person. She believed that it was better to serve than to receive,” Cronan said. The christening ceremony finished with a bottle of orange soda being smashed against the tug as the HCHS singers performed “Rocky Top.”

The ferry system in Tennessee has a long history starting in the 1800’s. The Danville Landing crossing was re-established in 2007 with a federal grant. In addition to the ferry crossing at Danville Landing, another ferry operates on the Cumberland River at Carlisle.

It is estimated that 14,500 vehicles crossed the Tennessee River on the Benton-Houston Ferry in 2023. Open 365 days a year, the cost of a roundtrip car crossing for county residents is $1. Larger vehicles, such as trucks and motorcycles, are subject to slightly higher fees, none exceeding $5.