In 1865 David Butterfield opened the 592-mile long Smoky Hill route from Atchison, Kansas to Denver, Colorado. His new line cut nearly tow days from the Platte River route used by most freighters. The first wagon train along Butterfield's route left . . . — — Map (db m77907) HM
First called Camp Pond Creek, Fort Wallace was established in 1865. The fort served as the headquarters for troops given the task of protecting travelers headed west along the Smoky Hill Trail to the Denver gold fields. Fort Wallace was the . . . — — Map (db m77906) HM
“Will Comstock was the favorite and best known scout on the Central Plains… the superior of all men who were scouts by profession with whom I had experience.” — Lt. Col. George A. Custer “My Life on the Plains” William Averill . . . — — Map (db m263564) HM
