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Colbert Water Tower
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Catfish plate at the Farmstead
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Colbert Ferry historical sign
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Colbert Water Tower
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Catfish plate at the Farmstead
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Colbert Ferry historical sign
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Colbert, OK


Colbert, Oklahoma is a quiet town that will delight visitors to the Texoma region with its hospitality, history and delicious fare. Once a primary gateway to Oklahoma from Texas, across the Red River, it is now a great place to enjoy Lake Texoma!

What to Do

Load up the RV or tent and head to Colbert for easy camping near Lake Texoma. Whether you choose RV Station Resort or River View RV & Recreational Park, you are sure to find a spot that offers the amenities you want.

Make sure you stop at The Farmstead for a fresh, delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. Locally owned and operate, The Farmhouse serves home-cooked favorites like catfish, pies and homestyle breakfast with gluten-free and vegetarian options as well.

History

Colbert plays a significant role in the history of Oklahoma, the Red River region, and the Chickasaw Nation.

In 1848, a member of the prominent Colbert family within the Chickasaw tribe, Benjamin Franklin Colbert, moved to the area that would soon bear his name. The Colbert family descends from James Logan Colbert, who was born in Scotland, but who took up life with the Chickasaws in their Alabama homeland around 1740. Although details surrounding his life are contested, he married into the Chickasaw tribe and his descendants remain influential to this day.

Benjamin Franklin Colbert was the grandson of Levi Colbert, a chief of the Chickasaw nation also known as Itawamba. Levi Colbert was one of the chief negotiators during the removal of tribes to Indian Territory, with then President Andrew Jackson.

Benjamin Franklin Colbert was a wealthy farmer at the time he moved to Colbert, and in 1853, he started a successful business running a ferry across the Red River. During the Civil War, the ferry was important to the operations of the Confederate Army at Ft. Washita.

After the war, the Chisholm Trail and many settlers continued to influence a growth in business, crossing the Red River via ferry, and Colbert saw much success.  In 1874, Colbert built a toll bridge, but it was quickly destroyed by flood. Although it was rebuilt, it was again destroyed by a flood. Soon after the governments of Texas and Oklahoma built a free bridge over the river.

Today, the Colbert Ferry landing site has earned a place on the National Register of Historic places.

Grateful for information from sources included within article and Genealogy website

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