Near Ore City in Upshur County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Tarver's Ferry

(Site 6/10 mile east)

Photographed by Gary Estep, February 2, 2026

1. Tarver's Ferry Marker

Inscription. Once located at a strategic crossing of Big Cypress Creek, this pioneer ferry transported settlers moving west into Texas through populous Jefferson, on Big Cypress Bayou. Those going to the interior of Texas often came by horse or oxen, stopping for provisions at nearby town of Coffeeville. The ferry operator probably was James L. Tarver, who lived on Coffeeville Road, 1860s.
Many years before, the Caddo Indians forded stream at this same point in their travels.
By 1867 a bridge was built at the crossing and the ferry was no longer needed.

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 11346.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 32° 50.724′ N, 94° 43.014′ W. Marker is near Ore City, Texas, in Upshur County. It is at the intersection of Upshur County Landing Road and Texas Route 155, on the right when traveling west on Upshur County Landing Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16420 TX-155, Ore City TX 75683, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Old Coffeeville, C. S. A. (approx. 2.3 miles away); C.S.A. Camp Talley

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(approx. 2.3 miles away); Site of Old Spearman's Ferry (approx. 4.4 miles away); In Appreciation (approx. 5.1 miles away); Old Hughes Furnace (approx. 5.1 miles away); Riley Cemetery (approx. 5.4 miles away); Iron Bluff Cemetery (approx. 6½ miles away); Pyland African American Cemetery (approx. 11.3 miles away).

Also see . . . Text of State of Texas act granting to James L. Tarver the privilege of constructing a ferry. (Submitted on June 25, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2018

2. Tarver's Ferry Marker

Tarver's Ferry Marker looking east on Upshur County Landing Road. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2018

3. Tarver's Ferry Marker looking east on Upshur County Landing Road.

View from marker west on Texas Highway 155 towards Coffeeville. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2018

4. View from marker west on Texas Highway 155 towards Coffeeville.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,240 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 3, 2026, by Gary Estep of Anna, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 25, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.