Butterfield Overland Mail Route Fayetteville Segments Historic District facts for kids
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Butterfield Overland Mail Route Fayetteville Segments Historic District
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| Location | West of AR 265 in Lake Fayetteville Park, Fayetteville, Arkansas |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000456 |
| Added to NRHP | June 18, 2009 |
The Butterfield Overland Mail Route Fayetteville Segments Historic District is a special area in Lake Fayetteville Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It covers about 2.5 acres (1 hectare). This area protects a part of the original Butterfield Overland Mail route. This famous route once passed through Northwest Arkansas.
This trail and the land around it were added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 2009. Being on the NRHP means it's an important historic site. People are also looking into adding it to the National Historic Trails System. This would make it a nationally recognized historic trail.
Contents
History of the Mail Route
The Butterfield Overland Mail route was a very important stagecoach path. A stagecoach was like a large horse-drawn bus that carried mail and passengers. This route was chosen because it usually didn't get snowed in. Other routes further north often had heavy snow.
When the Route Started
The Butterfield Overland Mail route began in 1858. It stretched a long way across the country. The route started in St. Louis, Missouri. It ended all the way in San Francisco, California.
Fayetteville's Role
Fayetteville, Arkansas was an important stop along this route. It was located between two major stops. These were Tipton, Missouri and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Fayetteville grew a lot while the mail route was running.
Earlier Trails
This part of the trail in Fayetteville also followed an older path. This path was used by Native Americans in the 1830s. They traveled from Springfield, Missouri to Fayetteville.
John Butterfield's Contributions
John Butterfield was the person who started this mail service. He built a hotel and several barns in Fayetteville. These places helped travelers and their horses rest. After resting, travelers would continue north. They would pass through places like Fitzgerald Station in Shiloh, Mudtown, Cross Hollows, and Callahan's tavern before reaching Missouri.
Protecting the Route Today
Parts of the old Butterfield Overland Mail route are still around today. They are being preserved for future generations.
Modern Roads
Today, some parts of the route are now modern roads. For example, Arkansas Highway 265 in Northwest Arkansas follows some of the old path. Also, a road called Old Wire Road in Fayetteville uses part of the original route.
Historic Markers
You can find historic markers along the route in Fayetteville. These markers help people know where the old trail was. One original stone marker is on College Avenue. This is in front of the Former Washington County Courthouse.
The Preserved Segment
The specific part of the route listed on the NRHP is not a paved road. It is a dirt path that runs through Lake Fayetteville Park. This helps keep it looking like the original trail.
Other Preserved Areas
Another part of the Butterfield Overland Mail Route is also protected. It is in south Washington County, Arkansas. This segment is on Bugscuffle Road. It is also listed on the NRHP.
National Recognition
There is a plan to make the Butterfield Trail a National Historic Trail. This would mean it is recognized as a very important part of American history. This idea was suggested by Representative John Bozeman. It was included in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. This act helps protect important lands and trails. The Butterfield Trail is seen as a key part of America's history of trade and travel.
