Historical Marker
Duncan Ferry
Historical marker location:
US 90A, Gonzales, Texas
( from Gonzales, take 90A, 2 miles NW. Marker reported missing Dec. 2017.)
Marker installed: 1971
Started about 1834 by Benj. Duncan (1793-1866), a Scotchman. According to tradition, Mrs. Almaron Dickinson stopped first at Duncan's home on her way to tell people of Gonzales of fall of the Alamo. She was one of few survivors of this bloody battle of Texas Revolution, in which many Gonzales men died.
Upon hearing news, General Sam Houston ordered retreat of the Texas army (camped in Gonzales) and on night of March 13, 1836, he had town and ferry burned to keep them from enemy hands.
Duncan later rebuilt ferry, which was operated until 1866.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.