American Trails Revisited-The Butterfield Overland Stage

In March of 1857, realizing the need for an overland mail route from the east that serviced the west, congress passed a Post Office Appropriations Bill. On September 15, 1857, one of the nine bidders, 56 year-old John Butterfield of the John Butterfield Company was awarded the mail contract by Congress. On September 16, 1858, the first trip was launched from Tipton, Missouri. This installment of the American Trails Revisited series is an excerpt from our publication of the same name. This guide follows the route of the Butterfield Overland Stage Route across the Southern Plains and Southwest, from St. Louis to San Francisco. Come follow the paths of the early wagon travelers and enjoy the rich and entertaining history along the way.