History Lesson:
The 1931 Red River Bridge Controversy, or "Bridge War," was a non-violent, armed standoff between Texas and Oklahoma over opening a new, free bridge between Durant, OK, and Denison, TX, which threatened a nearby private toll bridge.
Key Details of the Controversy:
- The Conflict: When the new free bridge was set to open, the Red River Bridge Company obtained a federal injunction to stop it, claiming Texas failed to pay for their old toll bridge.
- The Standoff: Texas Governor Ross Sterling barricaded the Texas side. Oklahoma Governor "Alfalfa Bill" Murray responded by sending Oklahoma national guard troops to remove the barricades and, in some accounts, ordering them to seize control.
- Resolution: The standoff lasted several weeks before Texas finally paid the toll operators, allowing the free bridge to officially open.
This event is notable for being a significant, though bloodless, territorial dispute during the Great Depression.
Cache Information:
This is a two stage multi cache. At the first stage are two State of Texas Historical Markers. You only need info from the marker on the right hand side for this cache. Read the marker to find the answer to the question below. The correct answer will give you the coordinates to the final. The final is located a short distance away.
On what holiday did the new bridge officially open?
Labor Day-- N 33 49.208 W 96 32.176
Independence Day-- N 33 49.223 W 96 32.197
Memorial Day-- N 33 49.309 W 96 32.167
Thanksgiving-- N 33 49.214 W 96 32.189