At this crossing, formed by nature and used by Caddo Indians, early French and Spanish explorers, and travelers over Trammel's Trace, Mark Epperson established a ferry before 1837. The ferry remained in use until the construction of a wooden bridge that preceded the modern structure erected in 1924. In 1956, the monument was moved to its present location after its original site, 7 miles southwest, was inundated by Lake Texarkana.