Near Colbert in Bryan County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Colbert'S Ferry

Butterfield Overland Mail

Photographed by James Hulse, September 10, 2025

1. Site of Colbert'S Ferry Marker

Inscription. Here was located a stage stand of the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, under Act of Congress, March 3, 1857. First mail stage arrived here in September, 1858, enroute to San Francisco. Service continued until the outbreak of the War between the States.

Erected 1958 by Oklahoma Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is March 3, 1857.

Location. 33° 49.103′ N, 96° 30.97′ W. Marker is near Colbert, Oklahoma, in Bryan County. It is on River Road half a mile east of McGee Road, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located along the street next to the fence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1596 River Rd, Colbert OK 74733, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation.

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

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once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Colbert's Ferry (approx. 1.1 miles away in Texas); 1931 Free Bridge Controversy (approx. 1.1 miles away in Texas); The Message Tree (approx. 1.8 miles away); a different marker also named Colbert's Ferry (approx. 2.6 miles away); Red River Bridge (approx. 2.7 miles away); Lake Texoma (approx. 3.2 miles away in Texas); Site of Terrell High School (approx. 3.9 miles away in Texas); Joseph G. McCoy (approx. 4 miles away in Texas). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colbert.

Also see . . . Mail Call!. Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail

In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and
Photographed by James Hulse, September 10, 2025

2. Site of Colbert'S Ferry Marker
mail.

(Submitted on September 11, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Colbert'S Ferry Marker along the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 10, 2025

3. The view of the Colbert'S Ferry Marker along the street

The marker is located in the high grass next to the telephone post and sign.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 11, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.