On The Rio Grande: Los Ebanos, Texas

Iglesia Católica
San Miguel Arcángel
Los Ebanos, Texas

We had heard conflicting stories about a small ferry on the Rio Grande. Some people said it had been washed away by the floods of 2010, others claimed it had been rescued. After twisting and turning throughout the town of Los Ebanos we came upon said ferry locally referred to as "El Chalán". Since we can do no better than this, we simply cite below the Texas historical marker that stands under an ebony tree between the river and the border crossing station.

Apparently this is an ancient ford. First recorded usage was by Spanish explorers and colonists under José de Escandón in the 1740's on the Rio Grande. A salt trail led from here to El Sal del Rey (40 miles northeast). The ford was used by Mexican War troops in 1846; by Texas Rangers chasing cattle rustlers, 1874; by smugglers in many eras, especially during the American prohibition years, 1920's and 30's. The ferry and inspection station were established in 1950. Named for the ebony trees here, this is known as the only government-licensed, hand-pulled ferry on any boundary of the United States.

On the way to "El Chalán"

We were charged $1.00 to walk to the water and photograph the ferry. Darn it! Will corporate America ever stop gouging us with outrageous prices.

The ferry officially known as "Los Ebanos International Ferry Crossing" charges $3.50 per vehicle w/ driver, and $.75 per passenger or pedestrian, children $.75.

Crossing over to the "foreign" side

On the way back on "El Chalán"

Safely back on US soil

On our way out of the parking lot we noticed a store front that we decided we should inspect further. We entered a cold, large room full of knick knacks, t-shirts, and other sundry items. We were followed by a gentleman who had been sitting in a car in front of the store. Since there was a bar, stools and what appeared to be packaged food we asked for a cup of coffee. They don't serve it; that's why he was warming up in the car. Mr. Jack Eberhart of Des Moines, Iowa a thin, wiry guy was an eager conversationalist with loads of stories of his travels in Mexico. In Texas he and thousands of others called Winter Texans or Snow Geese come South for the winter and return home in April after the snows have melted up North. Mr. Eberhart and his wife have traveled throughout the entire country of Mexico. He is a genuine "Mexicofile" who claims there are no friendlier people or more beautiful scenery than in Mexico. Jack claims he and his wife never had a bad experience of any kind while traveling in their pick-up truck throughout the country. He scoffs at the idea that Mexico is a dangerous country and is not traveling there now because Mrs. Eberhart is not well. He has accumulated 11 picture albums of the country during his nine years of travel. His wife says she has never felt safer than when she traveled in Mexico.