At certain places on the Sabine River, I try to keep an eye out for evidence of the ferries that once allowed people (and wagons and livestock) to cross the river before bridges became an option.
If the water in the Sabine wasn’t so brown and murky, you could probably locate some of the old ferries decaying on the riverbed, where they sank after being abandoned in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. I heard about them from my friend and collaborator Jacob Botter, whose ancestors operated a ferry at the end of what is now Waldons Ferry Road, a dirt trail in rural Harrison County. His great-great-great-great-grandpa (give or take a great or two) ran a rope from one side of the river to the other and used the rope to pull himself across whenever a paying customer wanted passage.
I’m not sure when that ferry ceased to exist, but Gaines Ferry, the last ferry on the Sabine River, operated until 1937. It transported travelers along the old Camino Real, where Texas Highway 21 meets Louisiana Highway 6. The ferry was replaced by a bridge, which was inundated by the creation of Toledo Bend Reservoir a little more than half a century ago.
I was reminded of the Sabine River ferries when my friend Sean Kimmons shared photos from his recent crossing of the Rio Grande. Sean and his parents loaded their car onto a ferry in Los Ebanos, Texas, and were pulled across the river by a team of men tugging a rope stretched from one bank to the other.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the Los Ebanos Ferry is the only remaining hand-pulled ferry on the Texas-Mexico border.
The Los Ebanos Ferry is a popular tourist attraction since it is the only remaining hand-pulled ferry on the U.S.-Mexico border. It can accommodate only three cars and 12 pedestrians at one time.
The crossing is also known locally as Los Ebanos-San Miguel Camargo, Ferry Gustavo Díaz Ordaz and Ferry Díaz Ordaz-Los Ebanos.
Although the crossing has been in operation since the 1950s, the current ferry has been operating since 1979. It was recognized with a state historical marker in 1975.
And here’s a photo of a Sabine River ferry taken in 1916.
Here’s a random video that shows how the Los Ebanos Ferry works.
5,438 responses to “Hand-pulled ferries across the Sabine and Rio Grande”
Thanks for revealing your ideas in this article. The other matter is that every time a problem comes up with a laptop motherboard, folks should not go ahead and take risk involving repairing it themselves for if it is not done correctly it can lead to permanent damage to the complete laptop. In most cases, it is safe just to approach any dealer of that laptop with the repair of the motherboard. They’ve already technicians who may have an know-how in dealing with laptop motherboard problems and can make the right diagnosis and accomplish repairs.
I want to to thank you for this good read!! I definitely loved every bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you post…
magnificent post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
okmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I?ll learn lots of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Thanks for the strategies you discuss through this site. In addition, quite a few young women that become pregnant will not even attempt to get health insurance coverage because they dread they would not qualify. Although many states at this moment require that insurers supply coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions. Costs on these types of guaranteed options are usually larger, but when with the high cost of medical care bills it may be any safer strategy to use to protect a person’s financial potential.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So good to search out somebody with some authentic thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is something that’s needed on the web, someone with somewhat originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the web!
Thanks for your write-up. What I want to point out is that when you are evaluating a good internet electronics store, look for a web-site with entire information on critical factors such as the level of privacy statement, protection details, any payment procedures, along with terms along with policies. Constantly take time to browse the help plus FAQ sections to get a far better idea of the way the shop will work, what they are capable of doing for you, and in what way you can make use of the features.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your website by accident, and I am shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Thanks for some other fantastic post. Where else may anybody get that kind of information in such a perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.
It?s really a nice and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Goood info. Lucxky me I recengly found your website by accident (stumbleupon).
I have book-marked it ffor later!
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I?ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Another thing I have noticed is that often for many people, less-than-perfect credit is the result of circumstances past their control. One example is they may be really saddled with an illness so they have high bills going to collections. It may be due to a employment loss or inability to do the job. Sometimes divorce can truly send the financial circumstances in a downward direction. Thanks sharing your ideas on this blog.
F*ckin? remarkable things here. I?m very satisfied to peer your article. Thank you a lot and i’m taking a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
I have discovered that charges for internet degree professionals tend to be a fantastic value. For example a full Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with the University of Phoenix Online consists of 60 credits at $515/credit or $30,900. Also American Intercontinental University Online comes with a Bachelors of Business Administration with a entire program requirement of 180 units and a tuition fee of $30,560. Online studying has made getting the diploma far less difficult because you may earn your degree in the comfort of your dwelling place and when you finish from office. Thanks for all the other tips I have learned from your web-site.
I believe that is among the most vital info for me. And i’m happy reading your article. But wanna statement on some normal things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is in reality great : D. Excellent task, cheers
Thanks for your write-up. What I want to point out is that when searching for a good on the internet electronics shop, look for a web site with entire information on key elements such as the privacy statement, basic safety details, any payment methods, and other terms as well as policies. Always take time to see the help along with FAQ areas to get a greater idea of how the shop performs, what they can do for you, and exactly how you can maximize the features.
Thanks for your publication on the vacation industry. I will also like to add that if your senior considering traveling, it is absolutely crucial to buy travel insurance for golden-agers. When traveling, elderly people are at biggest risk of getting a professional medical emergency. Having the right insurance policies package to your age group can look after your health and provide peace of mind.
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
Hi there, You hafe doine a great job. I’ll definitely digg it
and personally recommend to my friends. I’m cofident they wilpl be benefited from this web site.
Howdy! Wuld you mind if I sharfe your blog
with my zyngaa group? There’s a lott of people that I think wuld really enjoy yur content.
Pleazse let me know. Many thanks
It’s hard to come by knowledgeable people on this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Thanks , I’ve recently been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered so far. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really loved surfing around your blog posts. In any case I?ll be subscribing for your feed and I hope you write again soon!
I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.
Good site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I?ll definitely return.
Wow, amazing weblog layout! How long have you been running a blog for? you made blogging look easy. The overall glance of your site is magnificent, as smartly as the content material!
Another issue is that video games usually are serious as the name indicated with the principal focus on knowing things rather than entertainment. Although, we have an entertainment feature to keep your sons or daughters engaged, each game is often designed to focus on a specific skill set or program, such as math concepts or science. Thanks for your article.
Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity to your publish is just cool and that i could suppose you are an expert on this subject. Fine together with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to stay updated with imminent post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
I relish, lead to I discovered just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Heya i?m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.
One thing I would really like to discuss is that weightloss program fast is possible by the perfect diet and exercise. Your size not simply affects the look, but also the actual quality of life. Self-esteem, major depression, health risks, plus physical capabilities are impacted in weight gain. It is possible to just make everything right whilst still having a gain. If this happens, a problem may be the reason. While an excessive amount of food but not enough exercise are usually to blame, common health conditions and key prescriptions might greatly amplify size. Thanks a bunch for your post in this article.
Great website. A lot of useful information here. I?m sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks for your sweat!
There’s noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain good factors in features also.
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Howdy very cool blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally?I am happy to seek out a lot of useful info right here in the publish, we’d like work out extra strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Thanks for another informative site. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
Heya i?m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.
A further issue is that video gaming has become one of the all-time most significant forms of recreation for people of every age group. Kids participate in video games, and also adults do, too. The actual XBox 360 is one of the favorite games systems for those who love to have hundreds of video games available to them, plus who like to experiment with live with other folks all over the world. Many thanks for sharing your opinions.
I just could not depart your web site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to check up on new posts
I’d also like to convey that most people who find themselves without the need of health insurance are normally students, self-employed and those that are laid-off. More than half of those uninsured are really under the age of Thirty five. They do not feel they are looking for health insurance because they’re young and healthy. Their own income is often spent on property, food, and also entertainment. Most people that do represent the working class either complete or in their free time are not given insurance by their jobs so they head out without due to rising valuation on health insurance in america. Thanks for the suggestions you share through this blog.
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
I have observed that rates for on-line degree professionals tend to be a terrific value. For example a full College Degree in Communication with the University of Phoenix Online consists of 60 credits from $515/credit or $30,900. Also American Intercontinental University Online gives a Bachelors of Business Administration with a whole school element of 180 units and a cost of $30,560. Online learning has made getting your diploma so much easier because you can certainly earn your current degree from the comfort of your house and when you finish working. Thanks for all other tips I have learned through the blog.
I discovered your weblog web site on google and test a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the excellent operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking ahead to reading extra from you in a while!?
I’ve observed that in the world the present moment, video games are definitely the latest phenomenon with kids of all ages. Often times it may be extremely hard to drag your son or daughter away from the games. If you want the best of both worlds, there are many educational games for kids. Good post.
Thanks for your useful post. Over time, I have come to understand that the actual symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are caused by a build up associated fluid involving the lining on the lung and the breasts cavity. The ailment may start inside chest vicinity and spread to other body parts. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fat loss, severe inhaling and exhaling trouble, temperature, difficulty taking in food, and infection of the neck and face areas. It should be noted that some people with the disease will not experience any kind of serious signs at all.
I am really inspired with your writing talents as smartly as with the layout for your blog. Is that this a paid subject or did you customize it your self? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it?s uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one these days..
It?s hard to find knowledgeable individuals on this subject, however you sound like you realize what you?re talking about! Thanks