IN 1857, JOHN WARREN BUTTERFIELD (1801-1869) won a six-year, $600,000-per-year federal contract to transport mail twice a week between St. Louis, Missouri and San Francisco, California in 25 days. It was the first regularly scheduled mail transcontinental mail contract ever awarded in the United States.

Butterfield, in association with Messrs. Wells & Fargo was responsible for the building and repairing of roads and bridges, and set up 150 stations. The delivery of mail was first priority on the Butterfield stages; however, they did carry passengers who could afford the $200 fare.

Passengers were permitted 25 lbs. of baggage, two blankets, and a canteen. They slept onboard the stage, as there were no overnight stops. Stations were generally located between 10 to 20 miles apart.

At each station, passengers disembarked for a quick meal and to refresh themselves while the horses were watered or changed. Stations like this one, where teams of horses were changed were called "swing stations." Most stages made the journey on average in 22 days.

(Left) John Butterfield, President Overland Mail Company. (Right) John Butterfield, Jr., driver of the first mail coach overland to San Francisco.

Hand colored 4-horse stage coach illustrated design. Rare Overland Mail by Butterfield Route originating in Hawaii.