Antelope Peak Station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Antelope Peak Station
Locale
Antelope Peak Station Location in Arizona
Country	United States
State	Arizona
County	Yuma
Founded	1859
Abandoned	1879
Population
• Total	0
Time zone	UTC-7 (MST (no DST))

Antelope Peak Station was an important stop for mail coaches in the old American West. It was part of the famous Butterfield Overland Mail route. This station was located in what is now Arizona, near a place called Antelope Peak.

It was built about 15 miles east of another stop called Mission Camp. Antelope Peak Station replaced an older stop, Filibusters Camp Station, because it had a much better water supply.

A Stop on the Mail Route

Before the Butterfield Mail Line, Antelope Peak was already a useful spot for travelers. In 1857, it was a water and camp site for the San Antonio–San Diego Mail Line. This earlier mail service connected Maricopa Wells and Jaeger City, California, which was near Fort Yuma.

The area around Antelope Peak was a good place for an overnight camp. This was because there was grass nearby for horses and the Gila River was close by.

What Was the Butterfield Overland Mail?

The Butterfield Overland Mail was a very important stagecoach service. It carried mail and passengers across the United States. This route helped connect the eastern and western parts of the country.

Stations like Antelope Peak were vital for the journey. They provided fresh horses, food, and a place for travelers to rest. This helped make the long and difficult trip possible.

Why Was Antelope Peak Station Abandoned?

Antelope Peak Station, like many other stops on the Butterfield Overland Mail route, was abandoned. This happened just before the American Civil War began in March 1861.

The war caused many changes across the country. Because of the conflict, the Butterfield Overland Mail service stopped running in this area. This meant there was no longer a need for stations like Antelope Peak, and they were left empty.