Shoreacres near La Porte in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Lynch's Ferry
One Mile Northeast to Site of
A pioneer ferry of Texas under Mexico and the Republic. Established at the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and the San Jacinto River, 1822, by Nathaniel Lynch, one of Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colonists. Usual charges at ferries like this were man and horse, 25 cents; cattle, 4 cents a head. But rates could be raised for risky high-water service.
Lynch, from Missouri, was an active Texas merchant and judge. After a small settlement grew up near his ferry, he platted the town of "Lynchburg” about 1835, but few shared his enthusiasm for the spot.
In March and April, 1836, as Texan settlers fled the Mexican Army during the war for independence, hundreds crossed the San Jacinto at Lynch's Ferry. By April 2 the prairie was covered with wagons, horses, mules, tents, and baggage, but 19 days later at the Battle of San Jacinto, the Mexican General Santa Anna, hoping to cut off a Texan retreat at the ferry, was himself defeated near the site.
In later years Lynchburg became a steamboat stop for the picturesque stern-wheelers plying Buffalo Bayou as eastbound freight was transferred there.
Today the modern, motor-driven "Lynchburg Ferry" is operated at the site of the original ferry.
This marker has been moved from its original location and is now in close proximity to the location of Lynch's Ferry.
Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 20043.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, Texas Independence • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
Location. 29° 45.711′ N, 95° 4.849′ W. Marker is near La Porte, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Shoreacres. Marker is on Independence Parkway, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in Juan Seguin Historic Park, near the Lynchburg Ferry's south dock. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4411 Independence Parkway, La Porte TX 77571, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lynchburg Town Ferry (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Marine Division (approx. 0.7 miles away); U.S.S. Texas (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lynchburg Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lorenzo de Zavala (approx. 0.7 miles away); Burleson's Advance (approx. 0.7 miles away); San Jacinto Masonic Monument (approx. 0.7 miles away); Freeman Wilkinson (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Porte.
Also see . . . Lynch's Ferry - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on November 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,075 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.