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Butterfield TrailA mail trip that is of considerable significance to the history of transportation in the USA is the Butterfield Overland Mail trip from Missouri to California that covered a massive 2800 miles in 25 days. Considering the period of operation which was the year 1858, this was significant service offered for the public. The semiweekly mail named after John Butterfield who was the president of the Butterfield Overland Mail Company, commenced this landmark two way journey on September 15th 1858 and successfully operated the same until March 1, 1961. The destinations that were touched in this route included Missouri, Memphis, St. Louis, Tennessee and San Francisco. People, cargo and correspondence were transported via the mail. In order to counter the rough terrain the mail used some weighty concord stage coaches and the lighter Celerity Wagons. Due to the fear of an attack from Native Indians, mules were used to draw the carriages instead of horses, as the latter were considered precious by the tribes. The drivers and conductors in-charge of the mail were armed and were asked to shoot when the lives of passengers was at risk. Visitors taking this route in the modern day can view the exact landscapes that were once part of the ancient Butterfield Trail. Following the same sections on the original path, it is indeed the best way to recreate the excitement of being part of a momentous past. |
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