The stagecoach also had very few restrictions to its route. It simply took the path of least resistance between two points. For that reason, it is not possible to follow the exact route at all times. Some sections travel through private property. Some sections have completely overgrown in trees and brush and cannot even be positively identified as the original route. But most of the trail can be followed within visual distance of the original route. The majority of the route is traveled on paved backcountry roads, some of which are only one lane wide. It is the perfect road for anyone who enjoys cross-country travel and historic trails that were used to settle our country during its adolescent years.
Lone Writer and Happy Jack left Springfield on roads that had been paved over the top of the original Butterfield Route. Some of those roads carry the Butterfield name and others carry the Wire Road name. Butterfield had used much of the existing Wire Road to establish his route across Missouri and Arkansas.
Ted Roller has spent many years tracing the Butterfield Route. He is closely involved with the Barry County Museum in Cassville, Missouri, (www.barrycomuseum.org) and has numerous artifacts on display. Ted is hoping to get more people involved in getting the Butterfield Route a national designation and would love to hear from those who would like to join the effort. Ted took the shotgun seat in the Grand Cherokee and shared many dozens of stories about the Butterfield route while pointing the way from one landmark to another.
Ashmore Station, 17.4 miles from Springfield: The first relay station after Springfield was called Ashmore. A historic marker designates its location, but nothing else remains. The stage only stopped long enough to hitch a fresh team to the coach.