BUTTERFIELD STAGE LINE

When the Kansas Territory was created in 1854, it stretched all the way to the Rocky Mountains. The current state boundary, a few miles west of here, took effect in 1861 when Kansas was admitted into the Union and the Colorado Territory was established. Thousands of Colorado-bound pioneers passed through here along the Smoky Hill Trail by wagon and on the Butterfield Overland Despatch. Beginning in 1865 this famous stage line carried passengers, freight, and mail from the eastern point of the railroad to Denver. The Omaha Herald cautioned stagecoach passengers to “expect annoyance, discomfort, and some hardships,” although humorist and author Mark Twain found travel to be an adventure.

Our coach was a great swinging and swaying stage, of the most sumptuous description–an imposing cradle on wheels. It was drawn by six handsome horses.—Mark Twain, 1861

In 1865, Fort Wallace was established as a U.S. Cavalry outpost, about 25 miles east of here. The stage line operated until the railroad was completed in 1870.

Note: This replaced a previous marker and was installed in 2012.