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RED RIVER BRIDGE

July 16, 1932

The Red River Bridge north of Denison, Grayson county, was the first public bridge over the Red River in that area. When it was constructed, Oklahoma and Texas were in a dispute over their border.

A toll bridge over the river delayed the opening of the new bridge. The Indians said they have been given a lifetime contract to run a toll bridge.

Gov. "Alfalfa Bill" Murray of Oklahoma got tired of waiting for the opening. He sent the Oklahoma Militia to plow up the entrance to the toll bridge and to open the new bridge.

Gov. Ross Sterling of Texas said that Oklahoma did not have the authority to do that. He sent Texas Rangers to the south end of the bridge to keep any vehicles from crossing.

The stand-off lasted for 10 days. Pedestrians flocked to the bridge to have their pictures taken with the troopers on each end of the bridge. The courts finally ordered Texas to open its end of the bridge.

Adolph Hitler used the "Red River Bridge War" as proof that Americans did not get along with each other.

Places Index

Recommended citation: 
 "Red River Bridge - Places, COLLIN COUNTY HISTORY," Collin County, Texas History and Genealogy Webpage by Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc.,  <http://www.geocities/genfriendsghl> [Accessed Fri February 13, 2004].

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Last modified: March 27, 2004