Original Map of the State of TexasAn attempt to solve the pressing need for rapid transportation of mail and the hardiest of travelers resulted in organization of the Butterfield Stage Line, which began operation in September of 1858 with an annual subsidy of one million dollars from the federal government. The service ran two times a week, with stops at stations every 20 miles. The trip covered the 2,795 miles from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean in 25 days 8 or 9 of which