In the early 1800s, the United States seemed a land of boundless promise and possibility. Between 1803 and 1853, it more than doubled in size. Stagecoach companies holding mail contracts helped to secure the newly acquired areas, turning rough trails into well-traveled roads. The somewhat regular arrival of the mail coach connected settlers to faraway families, friends, and businesses back home.
Letters from the Territories
Wilderness, Kentucky
Nov. 16, 1783Dear Mother
I was the other day offered a location of fifteen hundred acres ground for my little Sorrel Mare which is about twenty miles from this place.
—William Breckenridge
Courtesy of Breckenridge Family Papers, Library of Congress
Fort Drake in Florida
4th Jany 1836Sir,
. . . the troops were pushed on with view of crossing the ford and of surprising the main body of Indians . . . but before half had crossed, the battalion of 200 men (about) were attacked by the enemy who were strongly posted in the swamps and scrub.
—Duncan Clinch
Courtesy of Florida State Archives
Bolivar, Texas, January 1st 1831
The greatest part of the emigration consists of small farmers who come in by land and settle above, where land is cheaper and they get small tracts, in healthy situations. The capitalists come by sea, travel everywhere and remain undecided—not knowing where to choose.
—Mary Austin Holley
Courtesy of Eugene C. Barker, Texas History Center, University of Texas at Austin
Fort Vancouver
Oregon Territory, Nov. 9th, 1849We have been in Winter Quarters about a month. The company Officers all live in a long one story log house built by ourselves. . . . Our accommodations are rude enough, but still they still afford us a good protection against the winter rains which have already commenced to pour upon us.
—Theodore Talbot
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Fillmore City, Utah territory Sunday, November 26, 1853
Dear Sister,
I am well and in the land of the living . . . . The immigration to this country this fall is about four thousand wagons.
—Christina Bagley Brickmore
Courtesy of National Society, Daughters of Utah Pioneers
Santa Fe, May 13, 1850
I am tired of Sante Fe. There is nothing in the town to interest or divert the mind: the country around has still less attraction: no beauty of scenery, no game, absolutely nothing but sand-hills and snow covered mountains.
—George McCall
Courtesy of University of Florida
