John Butterfield – Expanding the Routes in the West
The mid-19th century American West was a land of immense opportunity and daunting challenges. As settlers pushed westward, the need for reliable communication and transportation became paramount. Enter John Butterfield, a visionary entrepreneur who would leave an indelible mark on the landscape of the American West. He achieved this by founding companies that would eventually evolve into giants like American Express and Wells Fargo, and, most notably, by establishing the Overland Mail Company, a venture that would forever link his name to the expansion of routes in the West. This article delves into the life and achievements of John Butterfield, exploring his early endeavors, his pivotal role in the creation of the transcontinental stage line, and the legacy he left behind.
Born in 1801 in Berne, New York, John Butterfield’s origins were humble. He grew up on a farm and received a largely self-directed education. This self-reliance and drive would prove essential in his later pursuits. At the young age of 19, he embarked on a career as a professional stage driver in Albany, New York. This experience provided him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within the transportation industry. In 1822, he married Malinda Harriet Baker, and together, they began a journey of careful saving and strategic investment. This dedication allowed Butterfield to eventually become the owner and operator of his own livery business.
From this initial venture, John Butterfield’s ambition and entrepreneurial spirit propelled him further. He expanded his operations, establishing stage routes throughout New York State. Recognizing the potential for growth in various modes of transportation, he also invested in steamboats on Lake Ontario, the street railroad in Utica, local plank roads, and the Black River Railroad. These diverse ventures demonstrated his keen understanding of the evolving transportation landscape and his willingness to embrace new technologies.
Butterfield’s shrewd business acumen soon led him to control a significant portion of the stage lines west of New York. In 1849, he formed Butterfield, Wasson & Company, solidifying his position in the industry. The following year marked a turning point when he merged his company with two rivals, Wells & Company and Livingston, Fargo & Company. This strategic alliance resulted in the formation of the American Express Company, an institution that continues to thrive today as a testament to Butterfield’s vision and business prowess.
The most significant chapter in John Butterfield’s career unfolded in 1857 when he secured the government contract for the first transcontinental stage line. This ambitious project aimed to carry mail from Missouri to California, a distance of approximately 2,800 miles. The contract, valued at a substantial $600,000 annually, represented a major investment in the development of the West. Prior to this, mail delivery to the West relied on a patchwork of private companies operating under federal contract, utilizing routes that included ocean steamers around South America or overland journeys across the Isthmus of Panama.
The awarding of the mail contract was a landmark event. Nine companies initially submitted bids, all proposing routes north of Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, the southern Postmaster General mandated that the new line traverse through Fort Smith, Arkansas, El Paso, Texas, and Fort Yuma, California, before reaching San Francisco. This revised route, often referred to as the "Ox-bow Route," added an additional 600 miles to the original proposals.
Undeterred by the increased distance and logistical complexities, John Butterfield complied with the mandate and established the Overland Mail Company. He assumed the role of president, overseeing the monumental task of organizing and operating the transcontinental stage line. The "Ox-bow Route" presented numerous challenges, including traversing harsh desert landscapes, navigating treacherous mountain passes, and dealing with the threat of hostile Native American tribes.
Service commenced in September 1858, marking a new era in communication and transportation in the West. The Butterfield Overland Mail route became a vital artery, connecting the eastern and western regions of the United States. Stagecoaches, pulled by teams of horses, traversed the vast distances, carrying passengers, mail, and vital supplies. The journey was arduous and time-consuming, typically taking approximately 25 days to complete the full route. Despite the difficulties, the Overland Mail Company proved to be a remarkable feat of engineering and logistics, demonstrating Butterfield’s organizational skills and determination.
Unfortunately, the venture was short-lived. The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 brought an end to the Overland Mail Company’s transcontinental operations. As the nation fractured, the route became strategically important to both the Confederate and Union armies. Portions of the Butterfield Trail were utilized by both sides, disrupting service and leaving parts of the West largely isolated from outside communication. The Confederate States of America attempted to maintain operations on sections of the Overland Mail route, but their efforts met with limited success.
The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 further diminished the need for the stagecoach-based mail service. The railroad offered a faster and more efficient means of transporting goods and passengers across the country, rendering the Overland Mail Company obsolete. While the transcontinental stage line’s active time was short, the John Butterfield route played a crucial role in the development of the West, facilitating communication, trade, and the movement of people during a critical period in American history.
Beyond his contributions to the transportation industry, John Butterfield also served as the mayor of Utica, New York, demonstrating his commitment to public service. He passed away in 1869 after suffering a stroke, leaving behind a legacy as a visionary entrepreneur and a key figure in the expansion of routes in the West.
The legacy of John Butterfield extends far beyond his lifetime. His founding of American Express and his pivotal role in establishing the Overland Mail Company cemented his place in American history. He exemplified the spirit of innovation and determination that characterized the westward expansion, leaving behind a trail that continues to inspire. His name is synonymous with the courage, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that shaped the American West.