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This Day in Arkansas History

September 19, 1858

The first stagecoach to deliver transcontinental mail service, the Butterfield Overland Express, entered Fort Smith (Sebastian County) over old Washington Street, which today is 2nd Street, and was greeted with music, cheering, and cannon fire, which continued until the coach left for California.

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Telegraph Wire Tree

Today, what is known as the Old Wire Road was once a major connection to the world outside Arkansas. The road, which connected St. Louis, Missouri, with Fort Smith (Sebastian County), followed an old trail that was improved in the 1830s. Telegraph lines reached St. Louis in 1847 and were extended along the road into Arkansas by 1860. Typically, the wires were connected to poles provided by local residents or simply attached to trees, such as this post oak in Pope County. This is believed to be one of the last surviving Arkansas trees to be used for this purpose.

 

Today, what is known as the Old Wire Road was once a major connection to the world outside Arkansas. The road, which connected St. Louis, Missouri, with Fort Smith (Sebastian County), followed an old trail that was improved in the 1830s. Telegraph lines reached St. Louis in 1847 and were extended along the road into Arkansas by 1860. Typically, the wires were connected to poles provided by local residents or simply attached to trees, such as this post oak in Pope County. This is believed to be one of the last surviving Arkansas trees to be used for this purpose.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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