Gordon’s Ferry, Grand Junction, Colorado 1883 Grand Junction Mesa Colorado USA John S. Gordon began construction on a ferry to cross the Grand River (Colorado River) shortly after his arrival in what would later become Grand Junction, Colorado in early 1881. His family, led by John's father Patrick Henry Gordon, were driving cattle from California to Texas when they decided instead to stay in the Grand Valley, as it was to be open for settlement after the forced relocation of the Ute Indians. Patrick Gordon died soon after arrival in Grand Junction, leaving John and his siblings to care for themselves. John Gordon began construction of the ferry in 1882, building it at the confluence of the Grand and the Gunnison (presumably, close to where the railroad bridge and the 5th Street bridge cross the river today). According to the April 7, 1883 edition of the Grand Junction News, John Gordon’s ferry, moored on the south side of the Colorado River at the mouth of the Gunnison River, was then ready for business. Later editions of the News in 1883 indicate that a road was planned from Grand Junction to the ferry, and that a ferry operated on the Gunnison River, contiguous to Gordon’s Ferry. John Gordon simultaneously built a toll road from Grand Junction to Pinon Mesa, known as Gordon’s Toll Road. yes yes