Creation of the Louisiana/Texas Border Through The Ferry Lake Area - 1840


"The work proceeded daily without interruption until May 14, by which time thirty-six miles had been surveyed and marked. On that day the party remained inactive and the members of the commission and army officers repaired to Greenwood to take part in memorial ceremonies that had been proclaimed because of the death of President (William Henry) Harrison.

On the eighteenth they reached the shore of Ferry Lake, a sheet of water about three miles across. An island near the center was named Neutral Island and the forty-sixth mound was located near the center. The lake was crossed on a large ferry scow, three days being consumed in getting the men and camp paraphernalia across. Owing to the peculiar formation of the northern shore, which was much cut up by inlets and swamps, considerable difficulty was experienced in marking the line on the north side of the lake, but whenever practicable mounds were erected. When "Jim's Bayou," one of the arms of the lake, was reached, it was necessary to wade into the water and cut through forests of cypress. Rafts were constructed but proved to be of little use; the heat was excessive; the men showed great reluctance about going into the water and the officers found it necessary to take the lead. For two days this kind of work continued, and after cutting through a deep swamp and overflow, the highland was reached."

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