Near Denison in Grayson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
1931 Free Bridge Controversy
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 27, 2022
1. 1931 Free Bridge Controversy Marker
As a result of late 1920s legislation in Texas and Oklahoma, the two states cooperated on a project to build free highway bridges spanning the Red River to accommodate rapidly increasing highway traffic. One of these bridges was near Colbert Bridge, a toll bridge descended from the mid-19th century Colbert's Ferry.
When the Free Bridge was ready to open in early July 1931, the Red River Bridge Company, operators of Colbert Bridge, obtained a federal restraining order against the opening of the Free Bridge until contractual payments had been made to compensate the company for their anticipated loss. Texas Governor Ross Sterling complied, but Oklahoma Governor William Murray, who was not a party to the contract between the Texas Highway Commission and the Red River Bridge Company, asked Governor Sterling to join him in protesting the injunction. Sterling refused. Murray ordered the removal of barricades erected by the Texas Highway Commission.
For twelve hours, traffic flowed freely across the bridge. By July 17, Texas Rangers guarded the southern side. Oklahoma highway crews rerouted traffic from Colbert Bridge to
this page online
As tensions came close to breaking in the summer heat, the injunction was suspended; the Texas Rangers opened the bridge on Labor Day, 1931. It served until 1995, when it was replaced by a new structure. A portion of the Free Bridge was placed in a park in Colbert, Oklahoma, about two miles north.
Erected 1997 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11909.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is July 7, 1931.
Location. 33° 49.129′ N, 96° 32.146′ W. Marker is near Denison, Texas, in Grayson County. It can be reached from U.S. 69/75 at milepost 1, 3.7 miles north of North Eisenhower Parkway (U.S. 69), on the right when traveling south. US 69/75 at Texas Travel Information Center, 1 mi. S of the Red River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6801 US-75, Denison TX 75020, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 27, 2022
2. 1931 Free Bridge Controversy and Colbert's Ferry Markers
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Colbert's Ferry (here, next to this marker); Site of Colbert'S Ferry (approx. 1.1 miles away in Oklahoma); Lake Texoma (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Message Tree (approx. 2.2 miles away in Oklahoma); Red River Bridge (approx. 3 miles away in Oklahoma); a different marker also named Colbert's Ferry (approx. 3.1 miles away in Oklahoma); Site of Terrell High School (approx. 3.7 miles away); Joseph G. McCoy (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Denison.
More about this marker. Next to Colbert's Ferry marker
International Chicago (courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society), July 20, 1931
3. Oklahoma-Texas Bridge War - Texas side - They Shall Not Pass
Description from the Oklahoma Historical Society: Photograph of 'They Shall Not Pass' says W. W. Sterling, Adjutant General of Texas, in white trousers and holding a Winchester rifle 30-30. While on his left is Texas Ranger Captain Tom Hickman. They are keeping watch on the Denison-Durant free bridge over the Red River, to see that no Oklahoma motorist runs through the barricade. On Sterling's right are two more Texas rangers, L to R: J. P. Huddleston and W. H. Kirby. So far no blood at the bridge on the Texas side.
Courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society, July 25, 1931
4. Oklahoma-Texas Bridge War - Oklahoma side - Troops Guard End of Bridge
Description courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society: Photograph of Troops Guard End of Bridge in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Entrance to the Denison, TX-Durant, OK, Red River Toll Bridge Patrolled By Oklahoma National Guardsmen in Martial Law area ordered by Gov. W. H. Murray to prevent passage over the structure as result of row with Texas over the latter closing a parallel free bridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2022, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2022, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3, 4. submitted on December 12, 2022. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
