Preston in Franklin County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Pioneer Ferry and Bridge

Photographed by G Cascio, August 12, 2011

1. Pioneer Ferry and Bridge Marker

Inscription. Concrete shaft located one-half mile west on Bear River marks the site of the Nathan Williams Packer Toll Ferry and Bridge, one of the first on the river. The ferry operated with rope and carried equivalent of one team and wagon. In 1869 a bridge was built for use of mail and stage coaches en route to Montana mines, but was washed out. Rebuilt of cribs and log piling. Again destroyed by high waters. Across the river is the site of Bridge Port, an overland station consisting of dugouts and log cabins. Franklin County Daughters of Utah Pioneers No 236

Erected by Franklin County Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 236.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 42° 7.217′ N, 111° 54.883′ W. Marker is in Preston, Idaho, in Franklin County. It is on State Highway 91, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Preston ID 83263, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Idaho’s Bear River Country. It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bear River Massacre Monument (approx. 1.4 miles away); Bear River Massacre

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(approx. 1.4 miles away); a different marker also named Bear River Massacre (approx. 1.4 miles away); Utah & Northern Railway (approx. 1.4 miles away); A Battle Becomes a Massacre (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Earth Will Remember (approx. 2.3 miles away); Attack at Bia Ogoi (approx. 2.3 miles away); California Volunteers March to the Bear River (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Preston.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Battle of Bear River (was approx. 1.4 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by G Cascio, August 12, 2011

2. Pioneer Ferry and Bridge Marker

Photographed by G Cascio, August 12, 2011

3. Pioneer Ferry and Bridge Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2019

4. Pioneer Ferry and Bridge Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2011, by Gwen Cascio of Logan, Utah. This page has been viewed 1,316 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2011, by Gwen Cascio of Logan, Utah. 4. submitted on September 25, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of concrete shaft if accessible. • Can you help?