Historical Marker

Ogletree Stagestop and Post Office

Historical marker location:
Copperas Cove, Texas
( Ogletree Gap Park, Post Office Road)
Marker installed: 1979
Marker size: 27" x 42"

After Marsden Ogletree (1819-1896) and his family migrated from Georgia, he recieved a land grant in 1878. Inscriptions on two stones in this house indicate the structure was erected the same year. It served as the family home, grain store, and stopping place for the Lampasas to Belton stagecoach. Since the mail arrived by stage, a post office was opened here in 1879 with Ogletree as postmaster. Legend says that the settlement received the name "Coperas Cove" from a copperas-tasting spring in the cove of a nearby mountain.

Samuel Gilmore served as the second Postmaster. In 1881 Gilmore's father-in-law Jesse M. Clements (1822-1900) and his wife Charley deeded land for the right-of-way to the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad. The following year the railroad laid out the new townsite of Copperas Cove. Soon the center of the community, including the post office, moved over to the railroad. Later the town corrected the spelling of its name to "Copperas Cove."

In 1891 Clements bought this house and used it as the headquarters for his large ranching operations. The old stone stagestop remains a visible link with the community's pioneer heritage

  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.

  • 1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.

  • 1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.

  • 1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.

  • 1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.

  • 1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.

  • 1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.

  • 1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.

  • 1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.

  • 1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.

  • 2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.

  • 2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.

  • Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.

This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.

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.

stagecoach routes, stands post office
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Coryell County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. The first European explorers arrived in the 18th century, with the Spanish establishing missions in the region. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlements began to develop.

During the Texas Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Texas, Coryell County saw significant growth. The area attracted pioneers and settlers who were drawn by the fertile land along the rivers. In 1854, the county was officially organized and named after James Coryell, an early frontiersman who was known for exploring and surveying the area.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Coryell County experienced periods of prosperity and challenges. Agriculture, particularly cotton production, played a significant role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century enhanced the county's connectivity and spurred growth in trade and commerce.

The county also contributed to the military history of Texas. During World War II, Camp Hood (now Fort Hood) was established in the southern part of Coryell County. The military installation has had a profound impact on the local economy, serving as an economic engine and a significant employer for the region.

Today, Coryell County continues to thrive as a vibrant community. It is home to a diverse population and offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. The county's rich history can be seen in its historic buildings, museums, and landmarks, all of which provide a glimpse into the past and contribute to the county's unique cultural identity.

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

  • 1854 - Coryell County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1859 - The county seat, Gatesville, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - The American Civil War impacts Coryell County, leading to economic hardships.
  • 1872 - The Texas Central Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1882 - The first county courthouse is constructed.
  • 1905 - The original county courthouse is replaced with a new building.
  • 1929 - The Coryell County Museum opens, showcasing the area's history.
  • 1942-1946 - The county experiences growth during World War II due to the establishment of Camp Hood (now Fort Hood).
  • 1963 - The current county courthouse is built, replacing the 1905 building.
  • 1997 - The Coryell County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.