History Lesson:
Colbert's Ferry, established in 1853 by Chickasaw citizen Benjamin Franklin Colbert, was a vital Red River crossing on the Texas Road, connecting present-day Bryan County, OK, and Grayson County, TX. It served as a key route for immigrants, cattle, and the Butterfield Overland Mail (1858–1861). The site was a major hub for travel, commerce, and early Oklahoma history before being replaced by bridges in the early 20th century.
Key Historical Details
- Founder: Benjamin Franklin Colbert, a wealthy Chickasaw cotton farmer, operated the ferry with enslaved labor to connect the Indian Territory with Texas.
- Location: Situated roughly 3 miles southeast of present-day Colbert, OK, and just north of Denison, TX.
- Significance: It was the primary crossing for the Butterfield Overland Mail stage line from 1858 to 1861.
- Operations: Colbert transported stagecoaches and passengers for free, supporting a thriving business that moved thousands of settlers west, particularly after the Civil War.
- Evolution: The ferry faced competition from the Katy Railroad in 1872 and replaced by a toll bridge in 1874, which was later destroyed by floods.
- Legacy: The site is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the nearby town of Colbert bears the family name.
The crossing was crucial to westward expansion and was often called upon by travelers in the 1850s to reach Texas.
Cache Information:
This is a two stage multi-cache. At stage one is a State of Oklahoma Historical Marker. To get the coordinates to the final, read this marker and find the answer to the questions below. The final is located at N 33 50.ABC W 96 30.DEF. The final is located within this rest area.
How far down stream from this point was a ferry established? This will answer for ABC.
one mile-- 426
quarter mile-- 582
half mile-- 603
third of a mile-- 697
In what city is the manufacturer of this marker based? This will answer for DEF.
Durant-- 854
Granite-- 824
Hennepin-- 795
Idabel-- 782