Epperson's Ferry facts for kids

Epperson's Ferry was an important place in Northeast Texas a long time ago, in the early 1800s. It was one of only two spots where people could cross the Sulphur River. The other crossing was Stephenson's Ferry, which was further west. Epperson's Ferry was also one of the last places people crossed on an old trail called Trammel's Trace.

History of Epperson's Ferry

Helping Farmers and Trade

By 1854, people living in Bowie and Cass counties in Texas really wanted to improve how they moved their cotton. They needed to get their cotton to markets and ports down the river so they could sell it. They decided to make a big effort to help themselves.

That year, they collected $2,400. This was a huge amount of money back then! Their goal was to clear out the Sulphur River. This would allow steamboats to travel all the way to Epperson's Ferry.

Clearing the River

The citizens chose special leaders called commissioners. They also hired people to do the work. The plan was to make the Sulphur River eighty feet wide. From the middle of the river, for thirty feet on each side, all tree stumps and logjams had to be removed. Then, for another ten feet into each river bank, all hanging branches and snags were cleared away.

People worked hard to make these plans happen. By the spring of 1855, farmers had stacked many bales of cotton at Epperson's bluff. They were excited and waiting for a boat to arrive that could carry their goods.

The Steamboat Arrives

Unfortunately, the water level was too low that year, so no boats could reach the ferry. But on March 10, 1856, something exciting happened! Captain R.C. Hutchinson, piloting his steamboat named Julia, successfully traveled all the way to Epperson's Ferry. This was a big moment for the community.

The Rise of Railroads

However, by the time the Julia arrived, new technology was changing transportation. Railroads were becoming popular. Trains could move goods much faster and carry more items than steamboats. Steamboats on Texas rivers were also slower and sometimes unreliable because of changing water levels.

By 1859, new plans were being made. The Memphis, El Paso, & Pacific Railroad started offering contracts to build fifty miles of track. This track would go to the Sulphur Fork in Bowie County. Because of the new railroads, the short time when steamboats were important at Epperson's Ferry came to an end.

A Monument's New Home

Later, a monument that marked Epperson's Ferry was moved. It was taken several miles away to a spot off U.S. Highway 67, east of Maud. This move happened because Lake Wright Patman was created. The lake caused regular floods that would cover the marker during times of heavy rain. Moving the monument kept it safe and visible.