Butterfield Stage Station

The Butterfield Stage Stop was little more than a pile of rubble when the restoration process began in 2009.  Archeological excavations done in 2008,
had uncovered some 40,000 artifacts, along with uncovering a full foundation,
consisting of four large rooms. One smaller area with foundation was located in the east end of room four and the purpose of this room was never fully understood. Possibilities included grain storage. There were two double sided fireplaces located in the structure, and was later confirmed by an early
photograph.

The first room served as the receiving room where travelers had their meals.  The second room showed remains of an old cook stove and personal effects; most likely the station keeper resided there.

The following two rooms with the large doors were used to service the coaches.  Everything located in these final two areas all had to do with blacksmithing, tack for horses, wagon parts, and tools.  

One thing, not readily available for the other structures was a photograph from the early 1900s. It provided much needed information such as the Butterfield Stage Stop had a staggered roof line that of course, could not have been discovered simply by archeology. It also added
precise placement of doors and windows, which did indeed match the archeological
findings.

The Butterfield Overland Mail served from 1858 to 1861, when the route was halted due to the outbreak of the Civil War. The stage stopped at Fort Chadbourne heading west every Tuesday and Friday, and headed east every Wednesday and Saturday.

Its location was chosen due to the close proximity of Fort Chadbourne, and in so doing, the Stage Stop was much more secure than many others spread out along the Butterfield Trail.

Before

After