Olathe in Johnson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Pit Stop
Why does a race car driver pull into the pits, or a truck driver leave the highway to visit a truck stop? The Mahaffie stagecoach stop offered similar services.
Need repairs or new tires? The federal census for 1865 lists a "R. Vickard" - occupation, blacksmith, living in the Mahaffie household. Not every farm had its own blacksmith shop, but the Mahaffie operation did because it was a stagecoach stop and travelers' way station. If your coach or wagon needs repairs, or your horses or oxen need their shoes tightened or replaced, Mr. Vickard can help you.
Need gas? Not in a stagecoach. But the horses are changed out for fresh animals.
Need something to eat? Lucinda serves fine meals in the cellar of the house. Better hurry.
Need a, well, a "comfort break?" No problem. The outhouse is the little white building off to your right, in a corner of the back yard. Please hurry - the coach will pull out in a few more minutes.
The site's blacksmith shop is a reproduction, built several years ago. It is not a precise replica of an original building. Instead, it serves as a working shop in which to demonstrate the tasks of the blacksmith. The location of the original Mahaffie shop has yet to be determined through archaeological excavation.
Erected by City of Olathe.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 38° 53.533′ N, 94° 48.09′ W. Marker is in Olathe, Kansas, in Johnson County. Marker is about 125 feet northwest of the Mahaffie home at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe KS 66061, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Survivor (a few steps from this marker); Up In Smoke (a few steps from this marker); Not So Little A Farm On the Prairie... (within shouting distance of this marker); Stagecoach Drivers (within shouting distance of this marker); Workin' For a Living (within shouting distance of this marker); State Your Business... (within shouting distance of this marker); Fast Food (within shouting distance of this marker); There's No Roost Like Home (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olathe.
Also see . . .
1. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. (Submitted on August 17, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Appalachian Blacksmiths Association. (Submitted on August 17, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 830 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 17, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on August 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.