Barlow & Sanderson Company – Staging in the Mountains
The saga of westward expansion in the United States is interwoven with tales of grit, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of opportunity. Among the many enterprises that facilitated this movement, the Barlow & Sanderson Company stands out as a pivotal player in the world of stagecoach transportation. This article delves into the history of this company, exploring its origins, growth, and eventual decline in the face of the burgeoning railroad industry. The Barlow & Sanderson Company, through its extensive network of stage lines, played a significant role in connecting disparate communities and fostering economic development across the vast landscapes of the American West.
The story begins with two enterprising men from Vermont: Jared L. Sanderson and Bradley Barlow. Amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, these individuals recognized an opportunity to capitalize on the growing need for reliable mail and passenger transportation. In 1862, they established the Barlow-Sanderson Overland Mail Company. Their initial operations were modest, focusing on a stage line connecting Sedalia and Warrensburg, Missouri. This early venture laid the foundation for what would become a much larger and more influential transportation empire. In 1863, the company expanded its reach, establishing a route from Kansas City, Missouri, to Fort Scott, Kansas. This expansion was indicative of their ambition and their ability to identify and capitalize on emerging transportation needs.
As the Civil War drew to a close and the nation began to rebuild, the westward movement gained momentum. Recognizing the potential of the expanding frontier, Sanderson and Barlow shifted their focus westward. In 1866, they made a strategic decision to transfer their headquarters from Kansas City to Junction City, Colorado. This move signaled their commitment to serving the growing communities and industries in the Rocky Mountain region. The Barlow & Sanderson Company was poised to become a major player in the transportation landscape of the West.
By 1867, the company had established a route that stretched from Missouri to California, following the historic Santa Fe Trail. This ambitious undertaking solidified their position as a major transportation provider. They renamed the company to the Barlow and Sanderson Company, a testament to their growing success and ambition. In addition to the main route to California, the company also operated several shorter routes, connecting key military installations and settlements. These included routes from Fort Larned, Kansas, to Fort Lyon, Colorado, and from Bent’s Fort to Pueblo, Colorado. These shorter routes served vital local needs and further strengthened the company’s network. The Barlow & Sanderson Company was now a major force in connecting the East and West coasts of the United States.
The late 1860s saw a surge in mining activity in Colorado, creating a significant demand for transportation services. The Barlow & Sanderson Company recognized this opportunity and focused on expanding its routes within Colorado to serve the booming mining industry. This strategic decision proved to be highly profitable, further solidifying their position as the dominant stage line in the region.
In July 1870, the company made a significant acquisition, buying out the Denver and Santa Fe Stage Line. This acquisition significantly expanded their network and further strengthened their dominance in the Colorado transportation market. Following the acquisition, they renamed the combined operation the Southern Overland Mail and Express. This new name reflected the expanded scope of their operations and their commitment to providing comprehensive transportation services. Later that year, in December, they moved their headquarters to Denver, the bustling capital of Colorado. This move placed them at the heart of the region’s economic and political activity, further enhancing their influence.
The company continued to grow throughout the early 1870s, becoming the largest stage line in the Colorado region. In 1874, they relocated their headquarters once again, this time to Granada, Colorado. This move may have been driven by strategic considerations related to their expanding network and the need to efficiently manage their operations. The Barlow & Sanderson Company was at the peak of its success, a testament to the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of its founders.
However, the company’s success was not without its challenges. Rumors of bribery and corruption began to surface, casting a shadow over the company’s reputation. Despite these allegations, the stage line continued to expand, indicating the continued demand for its services. In 1878, Bradley Barlow withdrew from the company, marking a significant change in the company’s leadership and direction. Following Barlow’s departure, the company’s name was changed to J.L. Sanderson and Company Overland Stage and Express Line.
The late 1870s marked the beginning of the end for the stagecoach era. The relentless expansion of the railroad network across the American West posed a direct threat to the stage line business. In 1879, the railroad pushed through Colorado, dramatically cutting into the stage line business. Despite the growing competition from the railroads, J.L. Sanderson and Company persevered, relocating its headquarters to Buena Vista in an attempt to adapt to the changing transportation landscape.
Although business was significantly down, the stage lines continued to operate into the 1880s, albeit with increasing difficulties. The challenges were compounded by the prevalence of bandits, who frequently targeted stagecoaches, adding to the risks and costs of operating the stage lines. The Barlow & Sanderson Company, or rather, its successor, J.L. Sanderson and Company, struggled to survive in the face of these challenges.
The story of the Barlow & Sanderson Company is a microcosm of the larger story of westward expansion in the United States. It is a tale of ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of opportunity. The company played a vital role in connecting communities, facilitating economic development, and shaping the transportation landscape of the American West. However, like many enterprises of its era, it ultimately succumbed to the forces of technological change. The rise of the railroad marked the end of the stagecoach era, and the Barlow & Sanderson Company, once a dominant force in the transportation industry, gradually faded into history. While the company may no longer exist, its legacy lives on in the stories and legends of the American West. The Barlow & Sanderson Company remains a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and the transformative power of transportation.