Synopses & Reviews
Recounts the colorful history of stagecoach lines on the Santa Fe Trail during the height of overland traffic from 1850 to 1879.
Synopsis
First published in 1971 and now in paperback for the first time, this book is a history of the stagecoach lines on the Santa Fe Trail from 1850 to 1879. Based on commercial records and ledgers, waybills and travelers' letters, and on Post Office Department records, it shows the fierce competition for passenger service and government mail contracts. Taylor tells the story of the small, independent stage lines on the Santa Fe Trail and describes the roads, landscape, the rolling stock, fares, stations and accommodations, and the country, people, and trade at the end of the line in New Mexico. Mark L. Gardner's foreword discusses Taylor's life, work, and the value of First Mail West to the history of the Southwest.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 228-237) and index.