ONLY -- Hand Pulled International Ferry in US -- Los Ebanos TX-Cd. Diaz Ordaz MX
N 26° 14.372 W 098° 33.888
14R E 543465 N 2902284
The international ferry between Los Ebanos TX and Cd. Diaz Ordaz MX is the only hand-pulled ferry of its kind in the United States
Waymark Code: WMPEQT
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 08/19/2015
Views: 1
The natural ford over the Rio Grande here has been used for centuries. A hand-pulled ferry began operation in 1950, and is still carrying cars and passengers today (2015)
The nearby state historic marker reads as follows:
"LOS EBANOS FERRY CROSSING
Apparently this is an ancient ford. First recorded usage was by Spanish explorers and colonists under Jose de Escandon in 1740s on the Rio Grande. A salt trail led from here to El Sal del Rey (40 miles northeast). The ford was used by Mexican war troops, 1846; by Texas Rangers chasing cattle rustlers, 1874; by smugglers in many eras, especially during the American prohibition years, 1920s and '30s. The ferry and inspection station were established in 1950. Named for the ebony trees here, this is known as the only government-licensed, hand-pulled ferry on any boundary of the United States. (1974)
Type of documentation of superlative status: state historic marker
Location of coordinates: at the state historic marker
Web Site: [Web Link]
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