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 mail.
Official Texas Travel Map. Published by the Texas Department of Transportation.
https://www.nps.gov/buov/index.htm
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 mail.
Those portions of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail authorized by Congress include nearly 3,300 miles of historic trail.
National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8
The National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8 administers the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail and is located at the Old Santa Fe Trail Building in Santa Fe, NM. You can find more information at the nps.gov/buov. There are number of visitor centers along the trail, please contact individual sites for visitation information.
The Old Santa Fe Trail building is not currently open to the public. You can find more information at nps.gov/ntir.
Presidio Chapel of San Elizario
A cross and bell on the roof alcove of a white stucco church.
A site along the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
Old Pinery Butterfield Overland NHT
A historic stone wall stands in ruins next to a hiking trail leading into the Guadalupe Mountains NP
Visit the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail to a take a step back in time.
Saguaro Forest on the Butterfield Overland NHT
A forest of tall, multi-armed Saguaro cacti stretches out towards the horizon.
The Butterfield Overland NHT traversed thousands of miles of desert on the delivery route.
Butterfield Station site at Picacho Village in Dona Ana County, NM
A neighborhood street lined with single story ranch homes.
The Butterfield Overland NHT passes through modern city neighborhoods.
El Paso Station Marker
A large stone monument sits on the side of a historic city street with brick buildings.
Historic El Paso, Texas offers an opportunity to visit the trail in a busy city.
Butterfield Overland Trail Stage Stations
Those portions of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail authorized by Congress include over 3,000 miles of historic trail that was once an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations on the West Coast. The route passes through seven states from Missouri to California. Learn more about the stage route stations by state.
Reflecting on 55 years of the National Trails System Act: A Journey Through the Establishment of National Scenic and Historic Trails
In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, learn more about these significant trails and their history.
