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Numerous stagecoach lines and express services
dotted the
American
West, as entrepreneurs fought to complete for
passengers, freight, and most importantly, profitable government mail
contracts.
Often braving terrible weather, pitted roads,
treacherous terrain, and Indian and bandit attacks, the stagecoach lines
valiantly carried on during westward expansion, despite the hazards.
Though stagecoach travel for
passengers was uncomfortable, it was often the only means of travel and
was certainly safer than traveling alone. If passengers wanted to sleep,
they were required to do so sitting up and it was considered bad etiquette
to rest ones head on another passenger. There were also numerous other
rules required of passengers including abstaining from liquor, not cursing
or smoking if ladies were present, and others.
Though there were many types of stagecoaches
used for various purposes, the most often used for passenger service was
the Concord Stagecoach, which was first built in 1827.
Designed by the
Abbot Downing
Company, the coach utilized
leather strap braces underneath, which gave them a swinging motion instead
of using a spring suspension, which jostled passengers up and down. Over
the years, the New Hampshire based company manufactured over forty
different types of carriages and wagons, earning a reputation that their
coaches rarely broke down, rather they just "wore out." The coaches
weighted more than a ton and cost between $1500 and $1800 at the time. The stages had
three seats, providing for nine passengers with little leg room.
Passengers were also allowed to ride on top. The term "stage" originally referred to the
distance between stations as each coach traveled the route in "stages."
The most profitable contracts to be had by the
stage lines were U.S. Mail contracts, which were hotly contested for.
Though the
Pony Express is often credited with being the first fast mail
service from the Missouri
River to the Pacific Coast, the Butterfield
Overland Stage actually began a twice-weekly mail service in
September, 1858. Each service crossed more than 2,800 miles from San
Francisco, California to Missouri and was required to be completed in 25
days or less.
Along the many stage routes, stations were
established about every 12 miles that included two types of stations
-- "swing" and "home." As the stage driver neared the station, he or she
would blow a small brass bugle or trumpet to
alert the station staff of the impending
arrival.
The larger stations, called "Home Stations,"
generally ran by a couple or family , were usually situated about 50 miles
apart and provided meager meals and overnight lodging to passengers.
Often; however, "lodging" was no more than a dirt floor.
These stations also included stables where the
horses could be changed and often, a blacksmith and repair shop, in
addition to a telegraph station. Here, drivers were usually switched.
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