A ford is a low-water crossings, or low-water bridge that is
shallow enough to be crossed by wading, on horseback, or in a
wheeled vehicle. (a process known, fittingly, as "fording"). A ford
is a much cheaper form of river-crossing than a bridge but it may
become impassable after heavy rain or during flood condition.
The names of many towns and villages are derived from such
places, e.g. Oxford (a ford where oxen crossed the river or
Stratford (a ford on a Roman road) Similarly, the German word furt
as in Frankfurt.
In historic times fords were often a strategic military point,
many famous battles were fought at or near fords.
This ford is located near the Historic Wagner farm Arboretum,
Warren NJ.
