Historical Marker

Butterfield Overland Mail in Missouri - 1858-1861

Polk County · Missouri

The coaches rolled into a town built along a road. Bolivar began as a settlement around Keeling Spring, most of its people from Hardeman County, Tennessee, and it lay in Greene County until Polk was formed. On November 10, 1835, the Polk County court proclaimed it a city, named it Bolivar and made it the county seat. Its streets followed the Boonville road, then the main road through the area, and from 1858 to 1861 the Butterfield stage made a full stop at the old Franklin Hotel and relay station. The railroad did not come until 1884.

What the plaque says

Butterfield Overland Mail in Missouri - 1858-1861 Bolivar in Polk County, 108 miles from the Tipton Terminus, was a relay and meal station. The Franklin Hotel, no longer standing provided accommodations.

Where it stands

37.61307, -93.41033 · Directions

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