The historic marker for Couch Station, 16.4 miles from Smith Station, is in the trees on the right side of the road. The station was in the valley behind the trees, but nothing is left of it. Once again, the stage only stopped long enough to hitch a fresh team. According to Ormsby, it took them seven hours to reach this point from Springfield.
The stage reached Cassville, 5.8 miles from Couch Station, but stopped only long enough to pick up mail. A historic marker on the courthouse square points out that it was the last town in Missouri before crossing into Arkansas. The Barry County Museum is located at the edge of town on Highway 76.
There is no historic marker for Harbin's Relay Station, 10.2 miles from Cassville, because its location has not been positively identified. This intersection is used as a reference point for the general location. Harbin's was the last relay station before crossing into Arkansas.
The stage crossed into Arkansas, 5.9 miles from the reference point for Harbin's Station. Maps for the entire Butterfield Route in Arkansas are available from Heritage Trail Partners (www.heritagetrailpartners.com). This organization has traced and documented the route across northwestern Arkansas. For the past four years, they have sponsored a stagecoach ride through portions of the original trail on the anniversary of the original trip. September 2008 will be the 150th anniversary for Butterfield stage, and a special celebration is planned by several towns along the route. They are also working with Ted Roller to combine a stagecoach trip covering parts of both states. Check the aforementioned website for the latest information.