Central Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Colbert's Ferry and Denison Dam

The Red River Journey

Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 9, 2021

1. Colbert's Ferry and Denison Dam Marker

Inscription. The site of Colbert's Ferry on the Red River has been important since the early 1820s. The Texas Road, which carried traffic from Kansas and Missouri to Texas, crossed the Red River at this point. Benjamin Colbert, a Chickasaw, established his first ferry in 1853, and the Butterfield Overland Stage used his ferry to cross the river. Later, the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad followed the route of the Texas Road, as did US Highway 69.

The three-mile long Denison Dam was completed in 1944, creating Lake Texoma.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 35° 29.615′ N, 97° 29.866′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Central Oklahoma City. Marker can be reached from Nazih Zuhdi Drive west of North Laird Avenue. Marker is part of the Red River Journey pathway, which is on the grounds of the Oklahoma History Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City OK 73104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Katy Railroad (here, next to this marker); Bison Tracks (here, next to this marker); Washita River (here, next to this marker); Lake Texoma

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(here, next to this marker); Cross Timbers (a few steps from this marker); Trail of Tears (a few steps from this marker); "Alfalfa Bill" Murray's Red River Bridge War (a few steps from this marker); Texas Road (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 9, 2021

2. Colbert's Ferry and Denison Dam Marker

Marker is where the red arrow points.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 409 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.