Robbins Ferry

The Trinity was the wall that settlers of the future Madison County ran toward in 1836. As Santa Anna advanced, families all over Texas fled east with whatever transport they had, in cold, rain and hunger, and some who died were buried where they fell. Madison County's settlers rushed for this river, and news of the victory at San Jacinto turned many back before they had crossed. At first few believed it; the refugees went home slowly, some to houses already gone. Ferries like Robbins's served quieter years, until Clapp's Ferry Bridge replaced them in 1930.

What the plaque says

Robbins Ferry First known as Paso Tomas (Thomas' Ford) at the crossing of the San Antonio and La Bahia roads over the Trinity. Ferry established about 1821 by Joel Leakey. Named in honor of NATHANIEL ROBBINS who operated it many years. Acquired about 1852 by Elisha Clapp whose descendants operated it until 1930 when Clapp's Ferry Bridge was constructed.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Fort Boggy State Park — 19 mi
  A 1,847-acre park in Leon County named for a settlers' palisade of 1840, with a 15-acre lake, short trails and the story of Tennessee farmers, the Keechi and a Ranger captain.

More markers nearby

• Bucareli — steps away
• Site of Trinidad — 0.6 mi
• Midway Church of Christ — 4.3 mi
• Elwood Methodist Church — 6.0 mi