Weskan in Wallace County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Butterfield Stage Line

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 22, 2014

1. Butterfield Stage Line Marker

Inscription. When the Kansas Territory was created in 1854, it stretched all the way to the Rocky Mountains. The current state boundary, a few miles west of here, took effect in 1861 when Kansas was admitted into the Union and the Colorado Territory was established. Thousands of Colorado-bound pioneers passed through here along the Smoky Hill Trail by wagon and on the Butterfield Overland Despatch. Beginning in 1865 this famous stage line carried passengers, freight, and mail from the eastern point of the railroad to Denver. The Omaha Herald cautioned stagecoach passengers to “expect annoyance, discomfort, and some hardships,” although humorist and author Mark Twain found travel to be an adventure.

“Our coach was a great swinging and swaying stage, of the most sumptuous description--an imposing cradle on wheels. It was drawn by six handsome horses.”—Mark Twain, 1861

In 1865, Fort Wallace was established as a U.S. Cavalry outpost, about 25 miles east of here. The stage line operated until the railroad was completed in 1870.

Erected by The State of Kansas. (Marker Number 45.)

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Kansas Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 38° 52.099′ N, 101° 58.174′ W. Marker is in Weskan, Kansas, in Wallace County. It is on U.S. 40. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Weskan KS 67762, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

on the Southern Plains,

and specifically on the High 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 Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: 157th Infantry Memorial Highway (approx. 4.2 miles away in Colorado); Mount Sunflower (approx. 11.2 miles away).

More about this marker. Note: This sign was replaced in 2012.

Also see . . . Smoky Hills Trail History. Kansas Historical Trails' page for the

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 22, 2014

2. Butterfield Stage Line Marker

Smoky Hills Trail. On the Butterfield Overland Dispatch: (Submitted on October 12, 2014.)

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 22, 2014

3. Butterfield Stage Line Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,063 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 12, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.