Red River Bridge

Texas had its own governor. After the Red River Bridge Company won an injunction on July 10, 1931, Governor Ross Sterling had the Texas end of the new free span barricaded, and Adjutant General William Sterling came with three Rangers to guard the workers. The Texas Legislature met in special session on July 23 to let the company sue the state. Murray answered with martial law and on July 27 stretched it across the river. The injunction was dissolved and martial law lifted on August 6, and the free bridge opened on Labor Day, September 7, 1931.

What the plaque says

Red River Bridge North span first free bridge across Red River erected 1931, replaced 1996. Oklahoma Gov. "Alfalfa" Bill Murray defied federal court injunction plowed up road to "toll" bridge forcing opening of "free" bridge linking Texas & Oklahoma Hwy's. Gov. Murray came personally to oversee the bridge opening. OK National Guard vs TX Rangers Colbert Historical Society Colbert Park Board Oklahoma Historical Society 227-1997

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Choctaw Cultural Center — 9.1 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

• Colbert's Ferry — 0.5 mi
• Colbert's Ferry (Butterfield Overland Mail) — 2.7 mi
• Fisher's Station — 9.5 mi
• Durant — 12 mi