Colorado River Ferries Marker

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Cibola in La Paz County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Colorado River Ferries

By Bill Kirchner, June 6, 2010

1. Colorado River Ferries Marker

Inscription. Ferries of various size and design once provided transportation across the lower Colorado River linking Arizona with California, Nevada and Utah.

Ferrymen plied their trade from Yuma to Pearce Ferry. The first ferry on the river was started at Yuma Crossing in 1849. Ferries operated into the 1900's.

Ferries furnished a vital service until railroads and highways replaced them.

Erected 1997 by Ancient and Honorable order of E. Clampus Vitus "Southern Alliance" John P. Squibob, Billy Holcomb, Lost Dutchman ECV. (Marker Number 99.)

Marker series. This marker is included in the E Clampus Vitus marker series.

Location. 33° 22.533′ N, 114° 39.509′ W. Marker is in Cibola, Arizona, in La Paz County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Cibola Road and Baseline Road. Click for map. The marker is located at the park on the southwest corner of River Road, Cibola Road and Baseline Road junction. Marker is in this post office area: Cibola AZ 85328, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Cibola Arizona (here, next to this marker); Taylor's Ferry (approx. 4.4 miles away in California).

More about this marker.

By Bill Kirchner, June 6, 2010

2. Colorado River Ferries Marker

This marker was scheduled to be dedicated in 1997. Complications delayed the placement and the marker was dedicated with the Cibola marker at the same time on October 14, 2000. SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway

Regarding Colorado River Ferries. Some parties headed to California were able to pay Indians to convey their goods across the river on rafts before and after ferries were established. During the California Gold Rush, nearly 60,000 people crossed the Colorado River by ferry below Fort Yuma. Owning a ferry could be a lucrative business and a very dangerous occupation.

By Bill Kirchner, June 6, 2010

3. Colorado River Ferries Marker

Credits. This page originally submitted on June 13, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 738 times since then. Last updated on December 20, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 13, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.