Los Ebanos in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Los Ebanos Ferry Crossing

Photographed by Roy Flores Jr, October 6, 2024

1. Los Ebanos Ferry Crossing Marker

Inscription. Apparently this is an ancient ford. First recorded usage was by Spanish explorers and colonists under Jose de Escandon in 1740s on the Rio Grande. A salt-trail led from here to El Sal del Rey (40 mi. NE). The ford was used by Mexican War troops, 1846; by Texas Rangers chasing cattle rustlers, 1874; by smugglers in many eras, especially during the American prohibition years, 1920s and 30s. The ferry and inspection station were established in 1950. Named for the ebony trees here, this is known as the only government- licensed, hand pulled ferry on any boundary of the United States.

Erected 1974 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3127.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • War, Mexican-American • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 26° 14.382′ N, 98° 33.865′ W. Marker is in Los Ebanos, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is on Flores Street west of Julio Garza Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Flores St, Los Ebanos TX 78565, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Havana (approx. 3.6 miles away); Nellie Leo Schunior School (approx. 5.2 miles

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away); Peñitas Common School (approx. 7.4 miles away); Peñitas (approx. 7.4 miles away); a different marker also named Peñitas (approx. 7.4 miles away); Peñitas Cemetery (approx. 7½ miles away); Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park (approx. 12 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2024, by Roy Flores Jr of La Joya, Texas. This page has been viewed 490 times since then and 70 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on November 13, 2024, by Roy Flores Jr of La Joya, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?