In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and mail. Read More
Planning a Trail VisitDo you want to experience the trail? Learn more about where you can go, historic sites you can visit and more!
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Where is this National Historic Trail?Take a look at interactive, historic, and trip planning maps to learn more about locations along the trail.
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