The RiverLink Ferry was not the first ferry to call Camden home. Since the start of the United States there has been a need to transport goods and people across the Delaware. Before the construction of the Ben Franklin Bridge there were multiple ferries that launched from Camdens waterfront including on Market street, and Vine street located in the downtown area, as well as Kaighn ave located in South Camden. During the winter when the river had frozen horse were used to tow the ferries across like sleds, which helped slow the number of injuries and death that occurred from individuals that walked across the ice. On one occasion the fire started aboard one of the ferries. On March 15, 1856, the Delaware was full of floating chucks of ice rushing through the ruff current when flames burst out along the upper deck. People on board did their best to calm the fire with buckets of freezing water but resorted to jumping over board. As a result, over sixty people died in the accident with countless missing while only 30 made it out alive. Between the years of 1727 and 1766 more than 800 slaves were brought by 3 different ferries and sold in Downtown, Camden. Today there are historical signs placed at these three sites to commemorate the people sold there.