Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Stage Lines
Stage Coach West
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2020
1. Stage Lines Marker
Stages operated from Fort Benton in many directions well into the 20th century. The first routes connected the gold camps of Helena and Virginia City with the river port. In 1866 C.C. Huntley established the route, but was soon bought out by Wells Fargo and later by Gilmer and Salisbury. Light mud wagons and Concord coaches were used; sleds were sometimes driven through the mountains in winter.
The trip to Helena took most of two days with no layovers and cost $20. There were ten stops, some for food and others to change horses. It was an overnight ride between Sun River Leavings and Rock Creek Station and a wild trip, particularly in winter. Stages ran daily until the railroad came in 1887, and for a few more years tri-weekly to Lewistown and the Judith Basin before their rail service arrived.
Erected by Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles.
Location. 47° 48.901′ N, 110° 40.114′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Montana, in Missouri River Country, and specifically in Russell Country. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Upriver Businesses (a few steps from this marker); Davidson and Moffitt Harness Shop (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bank of Northern Montana (about 500 feet away); Old Fort Campbell (about 500 feet away); Grand Union Hotel (about 500 feet away); Stockmen's National Bank (about 500 feet away); a different marker also
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2020
2. Stage Lines - Stage Coach West Marker
Captions: (top left) Mud Wagons; (bottom left) Front Street, 1969; (top right) Murphy, Neil & Company, 1875; (bottom left) John T. Murphy.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2020
3. Stage Lines Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,152 times since then and 144 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 4, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
