One Mile Northeast to Site of Lynch's Ferry
La Porte, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
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.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Nathaniel Lynch, one of Austin's "Old Three Hundred," established a ferry in 1822 where Buffalo Bayou meets the San Jacinto River, charging a few cents to carry travelers and stock across. In the spring of 1836, as settlers fled the advancing Mexican army in the "Runaway Scrape," hundreds crossed here, the prairie thick with wagons and tents. Days later, at the nearby Battle of San Jacinto, Santa Anna — hoping to cut off the Texan retreat at this very ferry — was instead defeated, and a modern ferry still runs at the site today.
Why it matters
The crossing witnessed both the panicked flight of Texas settlers and the decisive battle that won Texan independence.
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Related people
- · Nathaniel Lynch
- · Santa Anna
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto
- · Runaway Scrape
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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