Medora in Billings County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Medora Stage and Forwarding Company
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 22, 2015
1. Medora Stage and Forwarding Company Marker
Marquis de Mores: A grand entrepreneur. In the fall of 1884 he inaugurated daily round-trip stage and freight service from Medora to the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Four coaches were purchased. The Kittie, Medora, Dakota and Deadwood stages could make the trip to the gold fields with a four- to six-horse hitch in 36 hours, depending on the weather. The original Deadwood coach is on display at the Chateau de Mores.
The cost of the 215-mile ride was $21.50 per person. In addition to the coaches, other teams pulled wagons loaded with up to two tons of freight from the rail yards of Medora to the Black Hills. Stage stations were established every 10 to 15 miles and drivers were paid $50 a month plus “three hots and a cot.”
The vision of de Mores faced many challenges. One challenge was landing a major mail contract. Competition in the stage and freight business was intense.
After only seven and a half months, the Marquis’ adventure in the stagecoach business ended. The Bad Lands Cow Boy reported: “On May 19th (1885) the entire stage outfit rolled in, horses, coaches, station furniture and all.”
(Marker Number 20.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is May 19, 1885.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hotel de Mores (here, next to this marker); Stockmens State Bank (here, next to this marker); Tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); De Mores (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bad Lands Cow Boy (within shouting distance of this marker); Ralph “Doc” Hubbard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Medora Town Hall (about 300 feet away); Roberts Hall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medora.
More about this marker. The left side of the marker contains “The promotional poster: a ride from Medora to Deadwood.” A picture next to the poster is of a horse and had a caption of “Medora Stage horses had a special brand.” A photograph at the upper right of the marker depicts “The stage, ready to roll from Medora to Deadwod, SD.”
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 22, 2015
2. Medora Stage and Forwarding Company Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 22, 2015
3. Markers in Medora
Several markers can be found at this location. The Medora Stage marker is seen here on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 379 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
