Butterfield Overland Mail in New Mexico Territory facts for kids

The Butterfield Overland Mail was a special system for carrying mail and people across the United States using big horse-drawn carriages called stagecoaches. It ran on a long route from St. Louis, Missouri to San Francisco, California. This route also went through the New Mexico Territory.

The United States Congress, which is like the country's main law-making group, created this service on March 3, 1857. It operated for a few years until March 30, 1861. The route was very long, stretching from a ferry crossing the Colorado River in California, through New Mexico Territory (passing places like Tucson and Mesilla, New Mexico), and then south to Franklin, Texas. Franklin was about halfway on the entire journey.

The New Mexico Territory part of the mail route was split into two main sections, called divisions. Each division had its own manager. Tucson was the main office for the 3rd Division of the Butterfield Overland Mail Company. Franklin Station, in what is now El Paso, Texas, was the main office for the 4th Division.

What Were the Stations For?

Along the long Butterfield Overland Mail route, there were many "stations." Think of these like modern-day rest stops or gas stations for cars, but for stagecoaches and horses! These stations were super important because:

• They provided fresh horses for the stagecoaches. Horses got tired after pulling heavy coaches for miles.
• They were places where drivers and passengers could rest, eat, and sometimes even sleep.
• They often had water, which was very important in the dry desert areas.
• Some stations were simple, while others were larger with buildings and supplies.

The route through New Mexico Territory had many of these stations, divided into the 3rd and 4th Divisions.

3rd Division Stations

This division covered a part of the route that included areas in what is now Arizona. Some of the stations in this section were:

• Swiveler's Station: One of the first stations after crossing the Colorado River.
• Antelope Peak Station: A station located near a distinctive hill called Antelope Peak.
• Peterman's Station (later called Mohawk Station): Another important stop along the way.
• Flap-Jack Ranch (also known as Grinnel's Ranch or Stanwix Station): This station was known by a few different names over time.
• Oatman Flat Station: A stop about 20 miles from Flap-Jack Ranch.
• Gila Ranch: Located near the Gila River.
• Maricopa Wells Station: A significant station and a major water source.
• Casa Blanca Station: Established a bit later in 1858.
• Socatoon Station: Another stop on the way to Tucson.
• Picacho Station: Named after the nearby Picacho Peak.
• Tucson Station: This was the main headquarters for the 3rd Division.

4th Division Stations

This division continued the route from Tucson, heading east through what is now Arizona and New Mexico, towards Texas. These stations often had no water nearby except at the station itself, making them vital stops.

• Seneca Spring Station (later Cienega Spring Station): One of the first stops after Tucson.
• San Pedro Station: Located in Arizona, near the San Pedro River.
• Dragoon Springs Station: Another important stop in Arizona.
• Apache Pass Station: A well-known station located in a mountain pass.
• Stein's Peak Station: Located in Doubtful Canyon in New Mexico.
• Soldiers Farewell Station: A station in New Mexico.
• Ojo de Vaca Station: Meaning "Cow's Eye Spring," this station had water.
• Miembre's River Station: Located near the Mimbres River in New Mexico.
• Cooke's Spring Station: An important water source in New Mexico, near where Fort Cummings was later built.
• Picacho Station: Located in the village of Picacho, New Mexico. This station was known for having the last natural water source for a long stretch of the route.
• Mesilla: This town was a very important stop, almost exactly halfway between St. Louis and San Francisco. It was where the stagecoaches crossed the Rio Grande river.
• Fort Fillmore Station: Located on the east side of the Rio Grande, near a military fort.
• Cottonwoods Station: A station along the Rio Grande, just over the border into what is now Texas.
• Franklin Station: This was the final stop in this division and the headquarters for the 4th Division, located in the town of Franklin (now El Paso, Texas).

Early Route in New Mexico Territory (5th Division)

There was also an earlier route used for a short time, called Captain Pope's New Road to Franklin. This route was used until August 1, 1859, when the main route shifted. Some stations on this earlier path in New Mexico Territory included:

• Ojos de los Alamos Station
• Cornudas de Los Alamos Station

The Butterfield Overland Mail was a huge undertaking that helped connect the eastern and western parts of the United States before the transcontinental railroad was built. It played a big role in moving mail and people across vast distances in the American West.