Visalia in Tulare County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Butterfield Overland Mail

Photographed By Craig Baker, March 8, 2021

1. Butterfield Overland Mail Marker

Inscription. At this place, near midnight Oct. 8, 1858, Visalians greeted with an anvil salute, the first coach of the pioneer line to arrive from St. Louis. The Visalians' hearty welcome caused the only "through" passenger to remark "They ought to be remembered in the history of the town, so I hereby immortalize them.”

Erected 1973 by Jim Savage Chapter 1852, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Butterfield Overland Mail, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.

Location. 36° 19.814′ N, 119° 17.523′ W. Marker is in Visalia, California, in Tulare County. Marker is on East Main Street west of North Church Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 East Main Street, Visalia CA 93277, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cross Building (a few steps from this marker); S. Sweet & Company (a few steps from this marker); Palace Hotel Building (a few steps from this marker); Bank of Italy (within shouting distance of this marker); Visalia’s First Hotel (about 300

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feet away, measured in a direct line); Visalia Saddle (about 400 feet away); Visalia Southern Pacific Depot (about 700 feet away); The Old Tulare County Jail (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Visalia.

Also see . . . History of Visalia. In 1858 Visalia was added to John Butterfield's Overland Stage route from St. Louis to San Francisco. A plaque commemorating the location can be found at 116 East Main Street. Included in the early crop of citizens were some notorious and nasty individuals who preyed upon the travelers along the Butterfield Stage route. Many saloons and hotels sprouted up around the stage stop downtown and commerce was brisk if a bit risky. (Submitted on June 3, 2010.)

Photographed By Patrick Barszcz, May 31, 2010

2. Butterfield Overland Mail Marker

Photographed By Craig Baker, March 8, 2021

3. Butterfield Overland Mail Marker

Butterfield Overland Stage image. Click for full size.

Berkley Photo Archives

4. Butterfield Overland Stage

A picture of an early Butterfield Overland Stage in the hills of California.

Restored Stage Coach image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown, circa unknown

5. Restored Stage Coach

A well-restored Butterfield Overland Stage coach from a private collector.

Butterfield Overland Mail Marker before it was dedicated image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Fresno Bee, circa 1973

6. Butterfield Overland Mail Marker before it was dedicated

Ken Fryer and Ken Cruff hold the brass plaque in this Fresno Bee photograph taken a week before the dedication.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2010, by Patrick Barszcz of Visalia, California. This page has been viewed 1,909 times since then and 87 times this year. Last updated on August 16, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. Photos: 1. submitted on March 10, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on May 31, 2010, by Patrick Barszcz of Visalia, California. 3. submitted on March 10, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 16, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.