Near Marshall in Harrison County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Marshall-Shreveport Stagecoach Road

Photographed by Jenn Wintermantel

1. Marshall-Shreveport Stagecoach Road Marker

Inscription.
Before the Civil War (1861-65), the stage road was the main transportation artery between Marshall and Shreveport, providing a link with New Orleans for distant markets. Extending northeast from Marshall, the stage road paralleled the later route of State Highway 43 and passed about 2.5 miles north of this site. Merging with the route from Jefferson, it turned southeast toward Waskom. In some areas, iron-rimmed wheels and horses' hooves trampled the narrow roadbed as much as 12 feet below the surrounding terrain. Travel over the dirt road was uncomfortable in dry weather and often impossible in rainy seasons.

Regular stage service was established by 1850, with three arrivals and three departures weekly from Marshall. Arrival of the stage was a major event. At the sound of the driver's bugle, townspeople rushed to meet the incoming coach. By 1860 Marshall had several stagecoach lines and a network of roads.

The Marshall to Shreveport line was operated by plantation owner William Bradfield and his son John. The stage continued to run during the Civil War, despite the shortage of drivers and horses. Use of the stage road declined after the war, when the Southern Pacific completed a rail line to Shreveport.

Erected 1979 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10197.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 32° 35.607′ N, 94° 15.921′ W. Marker is near Marshall, Texas, in Harrison County. It is on Pine Bluff Road one mile north of State Highway 43, on the right when traveling north. Located at Pine Bluff Baptist Church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marshall TX 75672, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the

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American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 3½ miles away); Scottsville (approx. 4 miles away); Marshall (approx. 5 miles away); Historic Roadside Park (approx. 5.1 miles away); Harrison County (approx. 5.1 miles away); Cumberland Presbyterians in Harrison County (approx. 5.6 miles away); Sam Houston School (approx. 6.3 miles away); Marshall Pottery (approx. 6½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.

Additional commentary.
1. Marker moved and placed on a granite slab.
Prior to this marker being added to HMdb, it had been taken, stolen or run over by trucks many times. Harrison County, working with the Historical commission, agreed to put up $500

Photographed by Jenn Wintermantel

2. Marshall-Shreveport Stagecoach Road Marker

to have the marker put in granite by Marshall Monument Co. and not placed on the old road.

— Submitted October 25, 2021.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 14,132 times since then and 1,672 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 3, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.