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The Overland Mail ServiceRecently I have been researching information of and about the Mail Service, and more specifically of the old 'stagecoaches' that used to run many years ago. Actually, what brought it about is that I live in an area of Texas that was once known as "Tate Springs". Tate Springs doesn't exist anymore........well, not by that name. Geographically, it is still in the same spot it's always been. It's just not called that anymore except to those who have lived in or near the area any length of time. It is now a part of Arlington, Texas.
Historically, it is described as having been a Baptist Encampment, and a school which dates back to somewhere in the middle 1800's. There is still a Baptist church at that spot. There is still a school there also. Both have gone through many changes over the years. The school is presently listed as the "oldest active school in the Arlington ISD". At one point it was in the Ft Worth ISD. However for many years it wasn't in either school district. Back in the middle 1800's Tate Springs was a stop on the Overland Mail Route. With natural springs in the area, there was always plenty of water and vegetation. It was an ideal place for to put in a "relay" station where stagcoaches could change out to a fresh team of horses, and the passengers could take a 'breather' and get a good meal before journeying on.
Living in this area, I have often wondered where this stagecoach came from or went to, and set about looking for more information. Getting the information was not that difficult. The "Handbook of Texas Online" has much information just at one's fingertips. I might add that the Handbook of Texas Online is a project of the Texas State Historical Association, so the information is authentic or as near authentic as they can get it. The good thing is the "Handbook" online is updated regularly as new information becomes available.
I have written an article on my research and have placed it at this link: http://leeaper.spaces.live.com/ and just scroll down as I add to this site frequently.
I didn't learn what I thought I would, but I so enjoyed my research and the discovery of a wealth of information from early Texas History that I will be a long time reading it.
I have located a couple of maps showing routes that was once in existence, and will insert them. There were freight roads as well as mail/stagecoach roads all over. It would probably be a major historical feat to recreate a drawing or map.
(Rev. 03.11.09)
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