For folks living in the Three Forks region in our early history, travel was often dependent upon river conditions, for there were no bridges to help them get across. In hot, dry summer months, crossing could be accomplished simply by fording the rivers. Horses and wagons could be driven across the many sandbars, and the horses were forced to swim only in the main channel of the river.

When river levels were high due to heavy rains or snow melt further upstream, crossing was more problematic. Many ferries operated on the river to assist travelers across. Often, little communities would spring up around a ferry crossing to serve travelers waiting to cross the river.

Soldiers at Fort Gibson operated a ferry across the Grand River on the military road. This ferry connected the trading posts on the Verdigris River with the fort. Washington Irving reported using this ferry during his visit in 1832.

In the 1840s, the ferry at the little Cherokee community of Frozen Rock was a prime crossing point on the Arkansas River. Ferries were also in business near present day Okay and Webbers Falls, both being located near waterfalls on the Verdigris and Arkansas. A ferry on the Illinois River was operated by the Tenkiller family. The dam that created Tenkiller Lake was built near this ferry crossing.

Three other ferries crossed the Arkansas serving the growing community of Muskogee — Nivens Ferry, Drews Ferry and the Smith Ferry all provided transport across the river on the primary roads. Ferry operators charged a fee to carry individuals, their horses, oxen and wagons across the river.

Even as late as 1901, when Oklahoma and Indian territories were debating statehood, ferries were still the primary means of getting across the river. Only one bridge existed, and it served the Katy Railroad. Folks could use it, but it was risky because you didn’t want to get caught on it when the train came through.

A prominent businessman in Muskogee, Almon Kinney, reported a mishap that occurred when he was crossing the Arkansas on the Frozen Rock ferry. Kinney was a well-to-do real estate developer and banker, heading east to Fort Gibson. He had driven his team of horses and buggy onto the ferry with no problems.

The river was running high and the weather was cool. The ferry had almost reached the east bank of the river when something must have spooked his team, for they lunged off the ferry into the cold water. The horses, the buggy and Mr. Kinney all went under. Kinney reported that he touched the bottom of the river but quickly resurfaced and caught hold of the boat. The horses swam to shore.

Kinney was able to capture the horses and direct them back onto the ferry which then took him back to Frozen Rock. Soggy and chilled, he did not wish to continue his journey that day.

Muskogee residents watched with interest that same year as another railroad bridge was built over the Arkansas to connect Muskogee with Tahlequah. Here would be one more means of getting across the river. Bridges for auto traffic wouldn’t arrive for several more years.

Reach Jonita Mullins at jonita@netscape.com.