While water levels are low, State Archeologist says thousands have visited the remains of the Brookhill Ferry on the Mississippi River

About two weeks ago remains of the Brookhill ferry that sank more than 100 years ago washed ashore in Baton Rouge due to low water levels on the Mississippi River. State Archeologist Chip McGimsey said the ferry was partially visible in 1992 when the river was low but then it was full of mud.

“And now this year Ol Man River has done a really good job of cleaning out the inside and washing the mud away from her. So, you can see about 75 to 80% of her,” said McGrimsey.

The ferry sank after a major overnight storm in 1915. McGimsey said archives indicate only a nightwatchman was on board at the time and he survived.

McGimsey said so far thousands have turned out to view the ferry boat in person and he hopes it inspires future archeologists. The Brookhill was one of the two ferry boats that serviced Baton Rouge and Port Allen in 1915 and ferries operated consistently between the two cities before the I-10 bridge was completed in 1968. McGimsey said you can find her just over the levee near the intersection of North Street and River Road in the capital city.

“Everybody’s just been wonderful. Kids are having a blast, everybody’s interested, they’re curious, they’re excited about it,” said McGimsey.

Visitors viewing the Brookhill ferry that sank 107 years ago. Photo by Brooke Thorington

For the most part, McGimsey said visitors have been respectful of the boat but unfortunately a few have decided to take parts of the vessel for a souvenir. And because it’s considered state property it’s illegal.

“We’ve actually had at least three incidents already where people have removed significant pieces of timber from the wreck,” said McGimsey.

He said everything below normal pool level in the river in Louisiana is considered state property and that includes shipwrecks.

The sister ferry to the Brookhill was the Istrouma which broke loose during a 1915 hurricane and sank down the river.

In addition to the Brookhill ferry, you can see an antique boiler that was part of the boat and a Model Ford T tire. McGimsey encourages visitors to see the boat in person while the Mississippi River remains low before it’s underwater once again.