Robbins Ferry
Midway, Madison County, Texas
Marker Inscription
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.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Where the San Antonio and La Bahia roads met the Trinity River, travelers once forded a spot called Paso Tomas. About 1821 Joel Leakey established a ferry here, and it took its lasting name from Nathaniel Robbins, who ran it for years. The Clapp family acquired the crossing around 1852 and operated it until a bridge finally replaced the ferry in 1930.
Why it matters
River crossings like this dictated the routes of early Texas roads and commerce, and their century-long life traces the shift from horseback fords to the age of the automobile bridge.
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Related people
- · Nathaniel Robbins
- · Joel Leakey
- · Elisha Clapp
Themes & tags
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