Howard Raynesford, of Ellis, Kansas, erected 138 post rock markers along the route of Butterfield’s Overland Despatch from Fort Harker west to the Colorado state line. Markers sit at most BOD crossings of public roads and at stage stations. The 400 pound markers were placed in the 1960s when Raynesford was 87 years old.

The 1959 United States Geological Survey’s 7.5’ map east of Wallace, Kansas, labels Rayesford’s Butterfield’s Overland Despatch markers with “Historical Marker.” This is a tribute to his accuracy, for the USGS is the premier mapping source in the nation.

A notch in the top of each marker indicates the direction of the trail at that exact point.

Below is the text of the plaque imbedded in the base of each marker.

SMOKY HILL TRAIL

BUTTERFIELD OVERLAND DESPATCH

ATCHISON TO DENVER

TRAVERSED BY GEN FREMONT1844

FIRST DENVER STAGECOACH 1859

MOST DANGEROUS OVERLAND ROUTE

RETRACED AND MAPPED BY

HOWARD C RAYNESFORD   ELLIS   KANSAS