Marker Inscription
Once located at a strategic crossing of Big Cypress Creek, this pioneer ferry transported settlers moving west into Texas through populous Jefferson, on Big Cypress Bayou. Those going to the interior of Texas often came by horse or oxen, stopping for provisions at nearby town of Coffeeville. The ferry operator probably was James L. Tarver, who lived on Coffeeville Road, 1860s. Many years before, the Caddo Indians forded stream at this same point in their travels. By 1867 a bridge was built at the crossing and the ferry was no longer needed.
About this site
Tarver's Ferry is a historical marker in Gilmer, Upshur County, dedicated in 1968. It is one of 48 historical markers documented in Upshur County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 108 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 32.8454, -94.7169 near Gilmer. The nearest cataloged historic site is McNairy, John Hamilton, Col. (historical marker), about 2.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Coffeeville, Camp Talley, and New Coffeeville Cemetery.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5459011346. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
