Butterfield Overland Mail

The words

1. Blacksmiths

   Metalworkers employed by the mail operation.

   Park Service: Fort Smith and the Butterfield (opens a new tab)

2. Bugle

   Instrument used to signal the stage’s approach to a station.

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3. Butterfield

   John Butterfield, organizer of the overland mail company.

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4. Concord Coach

   Coach design bought for the overland operation.

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5. Conductor

   Crew member responsible for the stage’s progress and station signals.

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6. Des Arc

   Arkansas transfer point between boat and stage.

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7. El Paso

   Texas locality on the southern mail route.

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8. Fort Smith

   Arkansas meeting point of the two eastern branches.

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9. Fort Yuma

   Colorado River post on the mail route.

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10. Mail Contract

    Government agreement funding the overland delivery service.

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11. Memphis

    Eastern origin of a branch feeding the overland service.

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12. Mud Wagon

    Lighter vehicle used over rough portions of the route.

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13. Pinery

    Butterfield station site in the Guadalupe Mountains.

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14. Tipton

    Missouri starting point of the western stage run.

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15. Wranglers

    Workers handling the company’s horses and mules.

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