From 1858 to 1861, the Butterfield Stage passed over this route as the first combined passenger and mail service from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Operating westward from St. Louis and Memphis, John Butterfield's company used 1,350 mules and horses and 90 Concord coaches and wagons. The stages traveled rapidly despite the lack of real roads, and a signal given when approaching a station assured food on the table for travelers and fresh horses ready. Stations stood 12 to 113 miles apart, and route changes were often made to obtain water. Passengers and crew wore guns, and because Indians liked horses, mules were used west of Ft. Belknap to reduce the danger of attacks. A one-way trip took 25 days, including 7 days across Texas from near Preston, now under Lake Texoma, to Jacksboro, Ft. Belknap, Ft. Chadbourne, and El Paso. The one-way fare for the 2,700-mile journey was $200. This stretch was a 113-mile span from Emigrants' Crossing 82 miles south to Pope's Crossing 31 miles north that, on the inaugural trip from Sept. 16 to Oct. 12, 1858, had no team change. The route ran parallel to the Pecos River. By November, three change stations were in this area, including Skillman's Stop 6 miles north. In 1860 the route was shortened to go by Forts Stockton, Davis, and Quitman west of the Pecos.