Today the Boat carries over 20 million passengers annually. There is no longer a fee, and on a typical day the ferry makes 104 trips moving upward of 70,000 people cross the harbor. Boats run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - regardless of holidays, foul weather, or system failures; the diesel-electric powered boats are rarely interrupted. The Staten Island Ferry is the most reliable form of mass transit in the city, if not the country.

Captured in art, literature, film, and music, the Staten Island Ferry has become a New York City icon. A ride on the ferry is a favorite destination for tourists, second only to the Statue of Liberty, and its image is an unofficial symbol of the borough.

Saint George Ferry Terminal circa 1880s. Ferries and Railroads Collection.

Whitehall Ferry Terminal along side its twin Governor's Island ferry slip, no date. Hugh Powell Postcard Collection.

The Whitehall Ferry Terminal and the neighboring Governor's Island Ferry Terminal stand in front of the New York skyline, circa 1930s. Hugh Powell Postcard Collection

On August 3, 1975, the nickel ferry became history as a round-trip fare became 25-cents, hence signs required alterations. Ferries & Railroads Collection.

Shoe shine man Dominick Antonio Ansanelli was one of several Shine Men who worked aboard the Staten Island Ferry and in the terminals. During his career, which began in 1911, Ansanelli estimated that he shined 700,000 pairs of shoes. Photo: Anthony Lanza, April 23, 1949. Anthony J. Lanza Collection.

Manhattan Bridge, no date. In addition to the Manhattan Bridge, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry allows passengers to see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Governor's Island, and Ellis Island. Hugh Powell Postcard Collection.

Homeward Bound, September 21, 1949. Photo: Anthony J. Lanza. Anthony J. Lanza Collection.

A passenger takes in the sights of the New York Harbor aboard the Staten Island Ferry during the 1940s. Photo: Anthony J. Lanza. Anthony J. Lanza Collection.

Statue of Liberty is a gift from the people of France. It is modeled in copper by Auguste Bartholdi, with internal metalwork designed by Gustave Eiffel. It functioned as a lighthouse from 1886 to 1902.

During its peak years from 1892 to 1924, over 12 million of immigrants passed through Ellis Island, which prior to being bought by Samuel Ellis in the 1770s, was also known as Oyster Island for the abundant mollusks around it. An estimated 40% of today's Americans can trace their history back to Ellis Island. Postcard from the Collection of the Staten Island Museum.

Robbins Reef Lighthouse

"Robbens" means "seal's" in Dutch. In the 17^th century seals sunned themselves on this rocky reef that caused shipwrecks until the first lighthouse was erected here in 1839. The present lighthouse was built in 1883. When the keeper died three years later, his German-born widow took over his duties. In her 26 years of service Kate Walker rescued 50 people and one Scottie dog while also raising two children at the light, which became known as "Kate's Light."

Sketch: Postcard from the K Collection of the Staten Island Museum. 

Already worth the ferry ride: The View of the Skyline of Lower Manhattan.