Jefferson in Marion County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Jefferson Turn Basin
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2018
1. Jefferson Turn Basin Marker
First steamer to reach here was the "Lama" in 1844, by way of Red River, which for 200 miles above Shreveport was clogged by a "raft" of debris that had begun forming about 1529. Cypress Bayou thus was best travel route into Oklahoma, western Arkansas and north Texas. Until Federal government in 1873 removed the raft, Jefferson was southwest's greatest inland port, with this basin its business center. Last steamer operated here in 1903.
Erected 1964 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 8060.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 32° 45.385′ N, 94° 20.588′ W. Marker is in Jefferson, Texas, in Marion County. It is at the intersection of East Dallas Street and South Polk Street (County Route 134), on the right when traveling east on East Dallas Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: East Dallas Street, Jefferson TX 75657, 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 walking distance of this marker: 1897 Howe Truss Train Trestle (within shouting distance of this marker); Marion County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marion County Confederate Monument
this page online
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2018
2. Jefferson Turn Basin Marker with the Big Cypress Bayou in background.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2018
3. The Big Cypress Bayou - Turn Basin tours are offered nearby.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023
4. Plexiglass etching of Jefferson Turn Basin, next to marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 698 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4. submitted on March 21, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.
