Colbert's Ferry

Benjamin Franklin Colbert, a Chickasaw citizen who lived from 1826 to 1893, had the Chickasaw Nation's leave for the ferry in 1853. The Texas cattle drives made it pay after the Civil War, and in 1872 a crossing cost a dollar for a two-horse wagon, $1.50 for six horses, 25 cents for a man and horse and ten cents a head for cattle, whether or not travelers used the boats. Two hundred yards from the landing on the Texas side, a store called the First and Last Chance sold whiskey, which was banned in Indian Territory.

What the plaque says

Colbert's Ferry Chickasaw Nation Ferry owned by B. F. Colbert, at old crossing on Red River 3 miles south, was noted on the Butterfield Overland Mail line, organized, 1857; first U. S. mail route by stage between cities of St. Louis and San Francisco. Colbert post office was estab- lished here on Nov. 17, 1853, Walter D. Collins, postmaster. Oklahoma Historical Society and State Highway Commission 1957

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Choctaw Cultural Center — 9.0 mi
  The Choctaw Nation's history told from the Chahta side at Calera, with galleries from Nanih Waiya to the Trail of Tears and the reservation today, a living village and daily stickball.

More markers nearby

• Red River Bridge — 0.5 mi
• Colbert's Ferry (Butterfield Overland Mail) — 2.6 mi
• Fisher's Station — 9.5 mi
• Durant — 12 mi