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.
22,153 responses to “Hand-pulled ferries across the Sabine and Rio Grande”
Howdy! This post couldn’t be written any better! Looking through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this information to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal site now 😉
Thanks for your content. One other thing is that if you are disposing your property on your own, one of the issues you need to be aware about upfront is when to deal with household inspection records. As a FSBO supplier, the key to successfully moving your property along with saving money upon real estate agent commission rates is knowledge. The more you realize, the better your home sales effort will probably be. One area exactly where this is particularly important is inspection reports.
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I may just I want to counsel you few interesting things or tips. Perhaps you could write next articles regarding this article. I desire to learn more issues about it!
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Take care! Exactly where are your contact details though?
Hi my friend! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include approximately all important infos. I?d like to see more posts like this.
F*ckin? awesome things here. I?m very happy to look your article. Thanks a lot and i am taking a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I am hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now 😉
Can I simply just say what a comfort to find an individual who genuinely knows what they’re discussing online. You definitely realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people should read this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised you are not more popular because you certainly have the gift.
Thanks for your content. One other thing is when you are advertising your property yourself, one of the troubles you need to be mindful of upfront is when to deal with house inspection accounts. As a FSBO owner, the key concerning successfully switching your property in addition to saving money on real estate agent revenue is awareness. The more you recognize, the more stable your property sales effort will probably be. One area exactly where this is particularly essential is information about home inspections.
Whats up this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Hi! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with useful information to paintings on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire group shall be thankful to you.
If you want to improve your experience only keep visiting this site and be updated with the most recent information posted here.|
One thing is that one of the most prevalent incentives for using your cards is a cash-back or even rebate provision. Generally, you’ll have access to 1-5 back for various expenses. Depending on the card, you may get 1 returning on most acquisitions, and 5 again on acquisitions made using convenience stores, filling stations, grocery stores and also ‘member merchants’.
You can definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.|
It’s very trouble-free to find out any topic on web as compared to textbooks, as I found this piece of writing at this web site.|
There’s definately a lot to learn about this topic. I like all the points you’ve made.
I blog quite often and I really thank you for your content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am going through problems with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else having the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!
I’m excited to discover this site. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you saved to fav to check out new information in your website.
You are so awesome! I don’t think I’ve truly read through anything like this before. So good to find someone with original thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I believe that you ought to write more on this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but typically folks don’t speak about such topics. To the next! Kind regards!
Howdy! This article could not be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped me. Many thanks!
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is very helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Another thing I have noticed is that often for many people, low credit score is the consequence of circumstances over and above their control. By way of example they may are already saddled with illness and as a consequence they have high bills going to collections. It may be due to a work loss or perhaps the inability to do the job. Sometimes divorce or separation can really send the financial situation in the wrong direction. Thanks for sharing your notions on this blog.
Thanks for your write-up. What I want to comment on is that when evaluating a good on the web electronics go shopping, look for a web-site with full information on critical indicators such as the security statement, safety measures details, any payment guidelines, along with other terms as well as policies. Always take time to look at help in addition to FAQ pieces to get a far better idea of the way the shop works, what they are capable of doing for you, and just how you can make use of the features.
After exploring a number of the blog posts on your website, I really appreciate your way of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my web site too and tell me what you think.
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own website now 😉
you are really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a great job on this topic!
I have seen that sensible real estate agents all over the place are Advertising. They are recognizing that it’s in addition to placing a sign in the front yard. It’s really regarding building relationships with these traders who at some point will become purchasers. So, whenever you give your time and energy to encouraging these suppliers go it alone – the “Law involving Reciprocity” kicks in. Great blog post.
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always interesting to read through articles from other writers and use something from their websites.
Hello, its good article concerning media print, we all be aware of media is a wonderful source of facts.|
Hello there! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your site for more soon.
Very good blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally confused .. Any recommendations? Many thanks!
One other issue is when you are in a scenario where you will not have a cosigner then you may want to try to wear out all of your financing options. You will discover many grants or loans and other scholarships and grants that will supply you with funding to help with classes expenses. Thank you for the post.
I believe that avoiding processed foods would be the first step so that you can lose weight. They may taste very good, but highly processed foods have very little nutritional value, making you consume more only to have enough power to get through the day. If you are constantly consuming these foods, switching to whole grain products and other complex carbohydrates will help you to have more energy while taking in less. Thanks alot : ) for your blog post.
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?
Your style is really unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog.
Magnificent website. Lots of useful information here. I?m sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks for your sweat!
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
You’ve made some really good points there. I checked on the internet for additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
Greate article. Keep writing such kind of info on your site. Im really impressed by it.
Can I just say what a relief to find someone that genuinely knows what they are talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people must read this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.
Truly when someone doesn’t be aware of then its up to other users that they will assist, so here it happens.|
Hey there! I just would like to offer you a big thumbs up for your great information you’ve got here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your blog for more soon.
Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
Greetings, I do think your blog might be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent site.