Butterfield Overland Stage Reaches Springfield

In October of 1858, when the first eastbound stage coach of the newly formed Butterfield Overland State Line reached Springfield from San Francisco, over a hundred local residents, according to the Springfield Advertiser, were there to greet it when it drew up in front of Smith's Tavern and Hotel just off the public square on Boonville. The stage had made the trip in what was considered an incredible time of less than twenty-two days, and an air of excitement attended the arrival. The stage got to Springfield at 3:30 on the afternoon of October 8 carrying six passengers, all of whom had come all the way from California. After changing horses and coaches at Springfield, the travelers continued on their way on the last leg of the stage journey to Tipton, Missouri, where they would then board a train for St. Louis. That evening, after the stage had already departed for Tipton, Springfieldians celebrated the momentous occasion of its arrival in their town with a fireworks display.