Brownsville / Matamoros ferry boat history on our Border

By Jose Cazares

1860s on the Levee

The oldest institution on the lower border-the Brownsville Matamoros ferry-which had operated continuously for almost 100 years, made its last trip across the Rio Grande at 6 o'clock on a Tuesday afternoon, July 31, 1928.

1860s from Matamoros, Mexico.  Building with "Libreia" (bookstore/library) which we call La Joya / The Gem on E 13th St near across 409 Galeria

on the banks of the Rio Grande with ferry and steamboats

The old had given way to the new. Since the opening of the new Gateway International Bridge on July 4, 1928, the business of the ferry had dwindled to the point where it no longer justified operation of the boats. The ferry boats had been identified with the history of the city from the days of its early settlement.

 Willman Pharmacy postcard early 1900s

Postcard courtesy of Rene Torres

There are no records of the establishment of the first ferry between Matamoros and the Matamoros commons, now the city of Brownsville, but it is believed to have been established in 1826 when the city of Matamoros was established, at that time, the ferry was operating above the old B & M international bridge and was known as the " Anaquitas" ferry to the Matamoros commons.

c.1910 Ferry Landing ~ Rutledge Curio Co. postcard

The ferry passed into the possession of Charles Stillman in 1850. The ferry was moved to 14th and Levee Street. Following the completion of the new Gateway Bridge on July 4, 1928, the business of the ferry dwindled rapidly and in the final days only an occasional passenger followed the old route. The ferry once carried hundreds of thousands of passengers across the Rio Grande during its long history of business.

1910 ferry boat

 Ferry from Brownsville with E Levee near 13th St in background ~ Jose. Cazares

1916-1919 skiff ferry - Robert Runyon photo

 1919 skiff ferry

 1916 Fort Brown soldiers at ferry "landing place" 

 1927 Building of Gateway Bridge  (Brownsville Historical Association archives)

 May 1928 (Brownsville Historical Association archives)

1930 Brownsville Herald Jan 1st issue

 (additional photos compiled by Javier R. Garcia et al)

Editor's note:  Charles Stillman had ferry rights from the early 1850s and had warehouses on both sides of the river prior to partnering up with others to operate the steamboats and later establishing the city of Brownsville following the War with Mexico.  

From the Handbook of Texas (online) Texas State Historical Association 

"... [James Stillman] Stillman purchased 100 percent of the riparian [of, relating to, or situated on the banks of a river] rights to the Rio Grande at Brownsville and up the river for an indeterminate distance. He sold two-thirds interest in those rights to the Mexican National Railroad in the 1890s.