Site of Cincinnati
Riverside, Walker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Important shipping point in Trinity River navigation. Founded in 1838 by James C. De Witt. Abandoned after yellow fever scourge in 1853. Erected by the State of Texas 1936.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1838 by James C. De Witt, Cincinnati was once an important shipping point on the Trinity River, part of the network of riverboat landings that moved goods through early Texas. The town flourished only briefly: a devastating yellow fever epidemic in 1853 emptied it, and Cincinnati was abandoned. Today only a marker recalls the vanished river port.
Why it matters
Cincinnati's rise and fall captures the fragile fortunes of the river-trade towns of the Texas Republic, many of which vanished when disease or shifting commerce passed them by.
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Related people
- · James C. De Witt
Related events
- · 1853 yellow fever epidemic
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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