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.
Presidio Chapel of San Elizario
A site along the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
Old Pinery Butterfield Overland NHT
Visit the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail to a take a step back in time.
Saguaro Forest on the Butterfield Overland NHT
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
The Butterfield Overland NHT passes through modern city neighborhoods.
El Paso Station Marker
Historic El Paso, Texas offers an opportunity to visit the trail in a busy city.
