Marker Inscription
Located at a noted early-day crossing on Sabine River, this pioneer ferry carried settlers traveling north or south into Upshur or Smith counties. It was begun before 1849 by Robt. Walters, a Texas revolutionary veteran, and used until a bridge was built, 1903. Town of Florence was once situated near ferry on south bank of the Sabine. Ferriage rates in 1860 were 50 cents for a wagon drawn by two horses or oxen; 75 cents for a wagon and more than two animals. A pleasure carriage was charged 40 cents; a man and horse, 10 cents; loose livestock, 5 cents per head.
About this site
Walters' Bluff Ferry is a historical marker in Big Sandy, Upshur County. 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 32.5676, -95.1376 near Big Sandy. The nearest cataloged historic site is unnamed (Sabine River Rd) (cemetery), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Phelps Home, Ashley, Chilton Cemetery, and Varnon Cemetery.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5459011353. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
