Around the world, it’s not uncommon to take a ferry across a body of water. Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen regularly host canal tours. Even in Texas, visitors and residents both use the ferry between Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. But there’s no ride quite like the Los Ebanos Ferry.
That’s because the Los Ebanos Ferry is a hand-pulled ferry, the last of its kind in Texas (and the greater United States). While other ferries incorporate gas-powered engines or alternative fuels, Los Ebanos takes a different approach.
A historic river crossing
The Los Ebanos Ferry, also known as El Chalán, has operated for over 75 years. It connects Los Ebanos, just south of Sullivan City in South Texas, with Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas in Mexico. The ride across the Rio Grande is the only international ferry crossing at the border, and it’s done entirely by hand using a rope system.
The ferry was first established in 1950, though people have been crossing the Rio Grande at this spot for nearly 300 years. A group of Spanish explorers, led by José de Escandón, forded the river in the 1740s, which is the earliest recorded use. In later years, troops fighting in the Mexican War, Texas Rangers, and Prohibition-era smugglers all used the ford site.
Today, there’s a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at the border, which got a facelift in 2011. Visitors crossing from the Texas side still have a few miles to go before reaching Ciudad Díaz Ordaz, which can make for an equally exciting adventure after the ferry ride.
The closest bridges to the crossing are about 30 minutes in either direction, and occasionally, discussions arise about ditching the ferry for another bridge. But Los Ebanos Ferry co-owner Marco Garza believes the cultural draw of the ferry will keep it on the water for a long time.
“This is a historic crossing. It’s part of our national heritage,” he said. “This is a symbol and identity of our communities.”
Where did the Los Ebanos Ferry get its name?
The Texas Ebony (Ebenopsis ebano) is the inspiration for Los Ebanos. The ferry is anchored to the ebony tree, which has thick, spreading branches that lead to an impressive dark green crown of leaves. Texas Ebony wood is also heavy and sturdy, making it a good choice for fence posts or building cabinets.
The city of Los Ebanos has fewer than 250 people, and the population is almost entirely Hispanic or Latino. With an entire area of just 0.6 square miles, taking a ride on the ferry is one of the area’s top attractions.
How to ride the Los Ebanos Ferry
Want to check out the Los Ebanos Ferry for yourself? The Texas entrance is located at 200 Flores St, Los Ebanos, TX 78565.
The ferry welcomes pedestrians, bikes, and small vehicles. Five men on the deck pull the cables, which moves the ferry from one side to another. Occasionally, people will get out of their vehicles to help pull, so everyone gets to the other side safely.
Ride prices may occasionally differ, but it generally costs $5 for vehicles, $3 or $4 for bikes, and $2 for pedestrians. More recently, the ferry has also started charging $2 to view the action, even if you don’t plan to ride it. Pay these fees in cash, and bring along some extra to grab a bite across the border. Additionally, because there are border patrol agents on both sides, you’ll need a valid passport no matter which direction you’re coming from.
Make sure to bring those extra items with you, since it’s worth heading down to South Texas to take a ride on the Los Ebanos Ferry. People who have previously used the ferry have fond memories. Besides, how often do you get to do unique, one-of-a-lifetime experiences like this?
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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