Lancaster Crossing facts for kids

Lancaster Crossing is a special place on the Pecos River in Texas. It's also known by many other names, like Indian Ford or Pecos Crossing. This spot was a natural ford, which means a shallow place where people and animals could walk across the river. It also had a ferry, which is like a small boat that carries things across.

This crossing is located between Crockett County and Pecos County, near Sheffield, Texas. It was named after a nearby army post called Fort Lancaster. The Pecos River usually has very steep banks, making it hard to cross. But Lancaster Crossing was one of the few places where it was naturally easier!

History of Lancaster Crossing

Lancaster Crossing was formed by nature. A small stream, called an arroyo, on the west side of the river washed away rocks and gravel. This created low banks and a wide, shallow river bottom.

Early Use by Native Americans

The first people to use this crossing were Native Americans from West Texas. They crossed the Pecos River when traveling to and from areas in Mexico. They sometimes left behind items taken from others at this spot. This is why it was first called "Indian Ford."

The U.S. Army and the San Antonio-El Paso Road

In 1849, the U.S. Army explored this area. They were led by Joseph E. Johnston, a Lieutenant Colonel. Their goal was to create a path called the San Antonio–El Paso Road. This road would connect San Antonio to El Paso.

The army used Lancaster Crossing. They also set up a ferry about a mile upstream from the ford. This ferry helped people cross the river for many years.

A Traveler's Description

A traveler named Robert A. Eccleston was with the army expedition. He was a "forty-niner" heading to California for the Gold Rush. He wrote about his experience at the Pecos River:

• He was surprised to find the river so close to their wagons.
• The river banks were very steep, almost like walls.
• The river was about 70 feet wide where the ferry crossed.
• The water was the color of cocoa without milk.
• It was about 10 feet deep at the ferry.
• He said the water tasted a little salty. But it was drinkable after being cleaned with a prickly pear plant.
• Horses and cattle seemed to like the water.

Eccleston explained how they crossed. They used the ferry for their wagons, horses, and other animals. The river was flowing fast, about 6 miles per hour! They sent their large group of cattle to swim across the river at the ford, which was a mile downstream. Sometimes, if cattle missed the cut in the bank, they had to be pulled up the steep sides with ropes.

Today, Lancaster Crossing is just south of the Texas State Highway 290 bridge. This bridge crosses the Pecos River southeast of Sheffield.