Celebrate the Sesquicentennial of the Butterfield Overland Mail Route Communities across the state are celebrating the anniversary of this historic route throughout the year.  Download Butterfield Event Brochure History of the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage 2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the Butterfield Overland Stage route coming into and through Texas. In 1858, this historic mail route made its first cross-country trek from St. Louis to San Francisco. It was remarkable at that time because it was the first intercontinental mail route. It crossed Texas to avoid the dangerous mountain passes to the north. Click here to learn about the Butterfield Trail The Best of Texas Travel From museums and theaters to cowboys and cowgirls, the Texas Lakes Trail Region is more than just prairies & lakes!  The North Central Texas Region is a 31 county area reaching from the Red River Valley to the blackland prairies.  You can start in Dallas/Fort Worth and work your way around the region and discover unique museums, state parks, restored courthouses and quaint towns throughout the Texas Lakes Trail Region. Come spend a day or a weekend exploring the historic and natural treasures of North Central Texas.  Regional Map