Historical Marker

Southern Overland Mail, 1858-1861

Historical marker location:
Robert Lee vicinity, Texas
( from Robert Lee city limits, take SH 158 east about 5.75 miles)
Marker installed: 1966
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Passed near this site, providing for the first time combined passenger and mail service between Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Operating west from St. Louis and Memphis, John Butterfield's company used 1,350 horses and mules and 90 Concord coaches and wagons.

Stage traveled at a run, despite lack of good roads. A signal given approaching a station would have fresh horses ready and food on the table for crew and passengers. Route had stations 12 to 113 miles apart, and was sometimes changed to get water. Crew and passengers wore guns; to reduce danger of Indian attacks, mules (less coveted than horses) were used west of Ft. Belknap. The trip one way took 25 days -- seven spent crossing Texas, from Preston (now under Lake Texoma) to Jacksboro, Ft. Belknap, Ft. Chadbourne and El Paso. One way fare for the 2,700 miles was $200. Passengers rarely stopped off, because they might not find seats on a later stage. Merchants in Jacksboro and other towns used Butterfield's light freight service to make mail-order sales.

Greatest contribution of the overland stage was its carrying news; coaches also brought mail from the west one to 10 days faster than it came by ship.

Service was ended in 1861 by the Civil War. (1966)

Incise on base: Early Travel, Communication and Transportation Series erected by Moody Foundation, 1966

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

roads stagecoach routes, stands
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Coke County, located in west-central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Lipan Apache, who roamed the region for centuries. It wasn't until the mid-1800s, with the arrival of European settlers, that the area began to be populated.

The county was officially established in 1889 and named after Richard Coke, a former Texas governor. Its earliest settlers were primarily ranchers, drawn to the fertile land and ample water sources in the area. With the introduction of the railroad in the late 1800s, the county's economic growth accelerated, and small communities such as Bronte, Robert Lee, and Tennyson sprang up along the tracks.

During the early 20th century, oil was discovered in Coke County, leading to a substantial boom in the local economy. The newfound prosperity brought an influx of new residents, and oil rigs dotted the landscape for decades. In addition to oil, agriculture also played a significant role in the county's development, with farming and ranching serving as the primary economic activities alongside the oil industry.

Today, Coke County remains largely rural and continues to be known for its agricultural and oil-related industries. Its communities have preserved their historic charm, and visitors can explore landmarks such as the historic Coke County Courthouse, which was built in 1930 and still stands as a testament to the county's rich history. The area's natural beauty, including scenic rivers and rolling hills, also attracts outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts. Overall, the history of Coke County reflects the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have embraced its unique heritage while embracing the opportunities of the modern era.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Coke County, Texas.

  • 1889 - Coke County is officially established, named after Governor Richard Coke.
  • 1891 - The town of Hayrick is designated as the county seat.
  • 1893 - Hayrick is renamed to Robert Lee in honor of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
  • 1914 - The Santa Fe Railroad reaches Robert Lee, boosting the town's economy.
  • 1923 - The first oil well is drilled in Coke County, leading to an oil boom in the region.
  • 1932 - The Great Depression causes a decline in the county's economy, with many oil wells shutting down.
  • 1942-1945 - During World War II, a German prisoner of war camp is established in Coke County.
  • 1951 - Lake Spence is constructed, providing a source of water for the region and recreational opportunities.
  • 1980s - Oil production in Coke County experiences a resurgence, leading to renewed economic growth.
  • 2009 - The Robert Lee Volunteer Fire Department wins the World Championship in the Firefighter Combat Challenge.