Butterfield Overland Mail in Indian Territory facts for kids
The Butterfield Overland Mail was a famous stagecoach service in the United States. It ran from 1857 to 1861. This service helped connect the eastern and western parts of the country. A key part of its route went through what was then called Indian Territory. Today, this area is mostly the state of Oklahoma.
The Butterfield route in Indian Territory stretched about 197 miles (317 km). It started near Fort Smith, Arkansas and ended at Colbert's Ferry on the Red River, which was the border with Texas. Fort Smith was a major hub for the mail service. It was the center for the 7th Division of the Butterfield route.
This route was very important for early Oklahoma. It followed an old trail that Native American tribes, like the Chickasaws, used when they moved west in 1837. Even after the Butterfield service ended, this road continued to be used until Oklahoma became a state in 1907. After the American Civil War, the Choctaw Nation worked to improve their part of the route. They built bridges and turnpikes to help travel and trade.
Stations Along the Butterfield Route
Along the Butterfield Overland Mail route in Indian Territory, there were 12 stagecoach stations. These stations were like rest stops for the coaches, horses, and passengers. They were usually about 13 to 19 miles (21 to 31 km) apart. Each station played a role in keeping the mail and passengers moving across the territory.
Key Stops in Indian Territory
- Fort Smith - This was the main hub for the 7th Division of the Butterfield Mail.
- Walker's Station - Located in what is now LeFlore County, named after Tandy Walker, a Choctaw chief.
- Trahern's Station - Also in LeFlore County, named for James N. Trahern, a local merchant.
- Holloway's Station - In what is now Latimer County, named for the stage agent, William Holloway.
- Riddle's Station - In Latimer County, named for trader John Riddle.
- Pusley's Station - In Latimer County, named for trader Silas Pusley.
- Blackburn's Station - In what is now Pittsburg County, named for Casper B. Blackburn, a local trader.
- Waddell's Station - Located in what is now Atoka County.
- Geary's Station - In Atoka County, named for A.W. Geary, who ran a toll-bridge there.
- Boggy Depot - Located on Boggy Creek in Atoka County. It was named after the creek. Today, it's part of Boggy Depot State Park.
- Nail's Station - In what is now Bryan County, named for Joel H. Nail, the station operator.
- Fisher's Station - Located in what is now Bryan County.
- Colbert's Station & Ferry - In Bryan County, named for Benjamin F. Colbert. He was an important Chickasaw leader and operated the ferry. This ferry was a vital crossing point on the Red River, connecting Indian Territory with Texas. It was also a key part of the Texas Road.
