Central Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Butterfield Overland Stage

The Red River Journey

Photographed by Jason Voigt, April 9, 2021

1. Butterfield Overland Stage Marker

Inscription. Beginning in 1858, the Butterfield Overland Stage connected St. Louis, Missouri to Los Angeles, California. The route entered Indian Territory at Fort Smith, and coaches carried passengers and mail across 192 miles following the Texas Road and crossing the Red River at Colbert's Ferry. Much of the route was maintained by local Choctaws, who charged fees for use of the road sections and bridges they maintained.

The stage service closed at the beginning of the Civil War, but the road remained a vital route between Arkansas and Texas.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Butterfield Overland Mail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 35° 29.611′ N, 97° 29.86′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Central Oklahoma City. It can be reached from Nazih Zuhdi Drive west of North Laird Avenue. Marker is part of the Red River Journey pathway, which is on the grounds of the Oklahoma History Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City OK 73104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker: "Alfalfa Bill" Murray's Red River Bridge War (here, next to this marker); Bloomfield Academy (here, next to this marker); East and West Shawnee Trails (here, next to this marker); Texas Road (here, next to this marker); Bison Tracks (here, next to this marker); Trail of Tears (a few steps from this marker); Colbert's Ferry and Denison Dam (a few steps from this marker); Oklahoma Governor's Mansion (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, April 9, 2021

2. Butterfield Overland Stage Marker

Marker is where the red arrow points to. Oklahoma State Capitol is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 525 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.