Cibola in La Paz County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Colorado River Ferries
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 6, 2010
1. Colorado River Ferries Marker
Ferries of various size and design once provided transportation across the lower Colorado River linking Arizona with California, Nevada and Utah.
Ferrymen plied their trade from Yuma to Pearce Ferry. The first ferry on the river was started at Yuma Crossing in 1849. Ferries operated into the 1900's.
Ferries furnished a vital service until railroads and highways replaced them.
Erected 1997 by Ancient and Honorable order of E. Clampus Vitus "Southern Alliance" John P. Squibob, Billy Holcomb, Lost Dutchman ECV. (Marker Number 103.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 33° 22.533′ N, 114° 39.509′ W. Marker is in Cibola, Arizona, in La Paz County. It can be reached from the intersection of Cibola Road and Baseline Road. The marker is located at the park on the southwest corner of River Road, Cibola Road and Baseline Road junction. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cibola AZ 85328, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Colorado River Valley, in the Sonoran Desert, and in the Yuma Area. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Taylor's Ferry
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Cibola Arizona (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Taylor's Ferry (was approx. 4.4 miles away in California but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This marker was scheduled to be dedicated in 1997. Complications delayed the placement and the marker was dedicated with the Cibola marker at the same time on October 14, 2000. SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway
Regarding Colorado River Ferries. Some parties headed to California were able to pay Indians to convey their goods across the river on rafts before and after ferries were established. During the California Gold Rush, nearly 60,000 people crossed the Colorado River by ferry below Fort Yuma. Owning a ferry could be a lucrative business and a very dangerous occupation.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 6, 2010
2. Colorado River Ferries Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 6, 2010
3. Colorado River Ferries Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,449 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 13, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
