Vessel history

TxDOT has operated ferries since 1934. TxDOT has operated 12 ferry vessels over 90 years, listed below are the ferries operated:

• Galveston (1934-1950)
• Jefferson (1934-1950)
• Cone Johnson (1950-mid 1990s)
• R.S. Sterling (1950-late 1990s)
• E.H. Thornton (1958-late 1990s)
• Gibb Gilchrist (1977-present)
• Robert C. Lanier (1991-present)
• Dewitt C. Greer (1994-present)
• Ray Stoker Jr. (1996-present)
• Robert H. Dedman (1998-present)
• John W. Johnson (2011-present)
• Esperanza “Hope” Andrade (2023-present)

TxDOT has operated landings from 1934 to present, ranging from two landings (Galveston at present location/Bolivar at Fort Travis (Fort Travis location moved sometime in the early 50’s)) one on each side increasing over the years from the original two, increasing to four (beginning in the early 80’s), and increased to six in the mid 2000s.