overland mail

noun

, U.S. History.

1. a government mail service, started in 1848, for sending mail from the Mississippi to the Far West.
2. (initial capital letters) a stagecoach line, established in 1858, linking Memphis, St. Louis, and San Francisco, which was then paid by the government to carry U.S. mail to the Far West. With various changes in ownership, name, and routes it continued until the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869.

Example Sentences

On this date in 1861, the Overland Mail Company discontinued its route through Arizona because the Civil War in the east forced troop withdrawals and the closing of forts in Arizona, leaving no protection for the letter carriers against Apache Indians.

From Washington Times

From 1858 to 1861, the Butterfield Overland Mail stage also stopped here on its daring 2,700-mile run between St. Louis and San Francisco.

From Washington Times

Most recently, he has been trying to solve the mysteries of the Butterfield Overland Mail stage coach station that once sat on the east bank, but was long ago erased by floods.

From Washington Times

On this date in 1858, the first Butterfield Overland Mail coach entered Arizona by way of Stein’s Pass.

From Washington Times

The Republican Party has certainly come a long way since 1860, when they limited themselves to unambitious goals like a daily overland mail service.

From Slate