Details for One Mile Northeast to Site of Lynch's Ferry
Historical Marker —
Atlas Number 5507020043
Data
Marker Number
20043
Atlas Number
5507020043
Marker Title
One Mile Northeast to Site of Lynch's Ferry
Index Entry
Lynch's Ferry, Site of
Address
4411 Independence Pkwy.
City
La Porte
County
Harris
UTM Zone
15
UTM Easting
298794
UTM Northing
3294213
Subject Codes
transportation; pioneers; Texas Revolution; Republic of Texas
Marker Year
1969
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
No
Marker Location
Juan Seguin Park
Private Property
No
Marker Condition
In Situ
Marker Size
Marker Text
A pioneer ferry of Texas under Mexico and the Republic. Established at the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and the San Jacinto River, 1822, by Nathaniel Lynch, one of Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colonists. Usual charges at ferries like this were man and horse, 25 cents; cattle, 4 cents a head. But rates could be raised for risky high-water service. Lynch, from Missouri, was an active Texas merchant and judge. After a small settlement grew up near his ferry, he platted the town of "Lynchburg" about 1835, but few shared his enthusiasm for the spot. In March and April, 1836, as Texan settlers fled the Mexican army during the War for Independence, hundreds crossed the San Jacinto at Lynch's Ferry. By April 2 the prairie was covered with wagons, horses, mules, tents, and baggage; but 19 days later at the Battle of San Jacinto, the Mexican general Santa Anna, hoping to cut off a Texan retreat at the ferry, was himself defeated near the site. In later years Lynchburg became a steamboat stop for the picturesque stern-wheelers plying Buffalo Bayou as eastbound freight was transferred there. Today the modern, motor-driven "Lynchburg Ferry" is operated at the site of the original ferry. (1969) SUPPLEMENTAL PLATE: This marker has been moved from its original location and is now in close proximity to the location of Lynch's Ferry.
