The route crossed Indian Territory from Colbert's Ferry to Fort Smith, Arkansas which was the Center for the Overland Mail's' 7th Division.
Fort Smith was also the junction point of the south bound coaches with the Memphis mail and its passengers.
The Butterfield route met with the Texas Road near Geary's Station and followed it southward to the Red River.
Although it lasted only from 1857 to 1861, the Butterfield route made famous one of the most important roads in the settlement and development of early Oklahoma and was used until shortly before statehood in 1907.
Following the Civil War, the Choctaw Council, to improve their economic interests, built bridges and turnpikes and maintained stage stands along their portion of the route.