Burr Ferry, Vernon Parish Louisiana Leesville Leader ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Burr's Ferry played historical role during Civil War battles near Vernon Parish By Bonnie Godwin/Staff Writer Leesville Leader, October 17, 2004 Burr's Ferry was one of the original crossings of the Sabine River used by cattlemen transporting cattle from Texas to Louisiana. It was first known as Hickman Ferry in 1840. In 1847, a newly named Burr's Ferry became the starting point for Road Precinct No. 1. It gained popularity because of its location for crossing the river on the Beef Road that cattlemen used to move cattle from Central and West Texas to the market in Alexandria. The crossing at Burr's Ferry was one of only four ways to cross the Texas-Louisiana border. After the fall of Vicksburg in 1863 the Confederacy expected the Louisiana side of Burr's Ferry to be where Federal Forces were supoosed to attack Confederate troops during the Civil War. Breastworks, or temporary, quickly constructed forts built about breast high were built to near the bridge north of La. Hwy 8 that can still be seen today. Presumably all guns used during war were located on the Louisiana side of the river because the land on the adjoining Texas banks were cleared, possibly for easier firing from the Louisiana side. Burr's Ferry was also a shipping point for places such as Burkesville, Texas and Leesville. There was a gin, warehouses and a water mill surrounding area. The ferry and town were named after a doctor named Timothy Burr. He was a second cousin of Aaron Burr who was the Vice President of the United States from 1801 until 1805 under Thomas Jefferson. According to historical documents, Burr was from Mount Vernon, Ohio. He left his home in 1809 with six other men. The men came into the area by way of the Mississippi River. It is unknown exactly where he arrived, but it said he spent time in the Neutral Ground. Burr's Ferry was never a very populated thriving city. The first post office opened July 1, 1873. The postmaster was John M. Liles. On March 5, 1892, James Cavanaugh changed the name of the post office to Burr Ferry. The post office was officially shut down July 31, 1933. But, some people believe the post office closed in 1936 when the bridge connecting Tx. Hwy. 63 and La. Hwy. 88 was built. Today there is no school, post office and only one small restaurant near the river. Considering that at one time the town was a major shipping point for Texas and Louisiana, today, like some smaller areas after the Lumber and Industrial Boom in Vernon Parish, is slowly diminishing.