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.
22,108 responses to “Hand-pulled ferries across the Sabine and Rio Grande”
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
Oh my goodness! I’m in awe of the author’s writing skills and ability to convey complicated concepts in a straightforward and concise manner. This article is a true gem that earns all the accolades it can get. Thank you so much, author, for sharing your expertise and giving us with such a valuable resource. I’m truly thankful!
Hi there, simply turned into alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of folks will probably be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
There may be noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain good points in options also.
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 view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.|
constantly i used to read smaller posts that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading here.|
Wonderful, what a webpage it is! This website provides valuable data to us, keep it up.|
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any techniques to help prevent content from being stolen? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Thanks for the various tips provided on this blog. I have observed that many insurance carriers offer clients generous discounts if they favor to insure more and more cars together. A significant quantity of households have got several vehicles these days, particularly those with more mature teenage youngsters still located at home, and also the savings with policies could soon mount up. So it pays off to look for a bargain.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My website is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from a lot of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Many thanks!
Wow! This can be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Great. I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your hard work.
I was skeptical, but after a week of fiat on-ramp, the seamless withdrawals convinced me. The dashboard gives a complete view of my holdings.
I was skeptical, but after a week of fiat on-ramp, the wide token selection convinced me.
The using the mobile app tools are quick deposits and useful analytics.
I value the stable performance and wide token selection. This site is reliable.
Dakota here — I’ve tried exploring governance and the reliable uptime impressed me.
Great platform with scalable features — it made my crypto journey easier. I moved funds across chains without a problem.
Riley here — I’ve tried portfolio tracking and the seamless withdrawals impressed me.
The learning crypto basics tools are responsive team and quick deposits. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and also the rest of the site is also really good.|
Can I simply just say what a comfort to find an individual who truly understands what they’re talking about online. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people need to look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular because you definitely have the gift.|
Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!|
I get pleasure from, result in I found exactly what I used to be taking a look for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Heya just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.
Thanks for the publish. I have continually noticed that a lot of people are desirous to lose weight when they wish to show up slim and also attractive. On the other hand, they do not continually realize that there are additional benefits to losing weight additionally. Doctors state that over weight people experience a variety of ailments that can be directly attributed to the excess weight. The great thing is that people who are overweight along with suffering from several diseases are able to reduce the severity of their own illnesses by way of losing weight. You are able to see a progressive but identifiable improvement with health while even a slight amount of losing weight is reached.
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It should at all times be stimulating to learn content material from different writers and practice slightly one thing from their store. I?d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether or not you don?t mind. Natually I?ll provide you with a hyperlink on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
Keep this going please, great job!|
Hi there, I discovered your blog by way of Google whilst looking for a similar subject, your website got here up, it appears good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My site covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it?s rare to see a great blog like this one today..
I have come across that currently, more and more people are attracted to video cameras and the field of taking pictures. However, as a photographer, you will need to first devote so much period deciding the model of digital camera to buy plus moving via store to store just so you can buy the most affordable camera of the brand you have decided to decide on. But it isn’t going to end at this time there. You also have to take into account whether you should buy a digital camera extended warranty. Thanks a lot for the good recommendations I gathered from your site.
One other issue issue is that video games can be serious in nature with the major focus on mastering rather than fun. Although, there is an entertainment part to keep your sons or daughters engaged, each game will likely be designed to work with a specific expertise or programs, such as mathmatical or research. Thanks for your posting.
Valuable info. Fortunate me I discovered your website by chance, and I am shocked why this twist of fate did not took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
We absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write concerning here. Again, awesome web site!
If some one desires to be updated with latest technologies then he must be pay a quick visit this site and be up to date every day.|
Usually I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.
We stumbled over here from a different page and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking at your web page again.|
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!|
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read more things about it!|
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for beginners. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog
and was wondering what all is needed to get set up?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
Thanks for enabling me to achieve new concepts about desktops. I also hold the belief that one of the best ways to maintain your laptop in best condition is to use a hard plastic material case, and also shell, that matches over the top of the computer. Most of these protective gear usually are model precise since they are made to fit perfectly over the natural outer shell. You can buy them directly from the vendor, or from third party sources if they are designed for your laptop, however not every laptop can have a cover on the market. All over again, thanks for your tips.
Howdy I am so delighted I found your webpage, I really found you by mistake, while I was looking on Digg for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a incredible post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the great job.
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 tips?
I?ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i am satisfied to show that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I such a lot unquestionably will make sure to don?t overlook this web site and provides it a look regularly.
Thanks for your write-up. One other thing is that individual states in the United states of america have their own laws that affect homeowners, which makes it extremely tough for the the legislature to come up with a new set of guidelines concerning foreclosed on householders. The problem is that a state has got own laws and regulations which may have impact in an unfavorable manner in terms of foreclosure insurance plans.
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided bright transparent concept
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would definitely benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Appreciate it!
Good information. Lucky me I found your site by chance (stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!|