THE OVERLAND STAGE LINE ILLUSTRATED BILL OF LADING  1860S
Unused Overland Stage Line illustrated bill of lading, 6 ¼ x 8 ¼. 
Benjamin "Ben" Holladay was an American transportation businessman responsible for creating the Overland Stage to California during the height of the California Gold Rush. In 1862 he bought the almost defunct Overland Mail Express; most of the hundreds of horses were worn out, and the wagons and coaches showed signs of wear. He began to buy horses and new Concord coaches, and  replaced many of the old stations, installing competent managers and cooks, at a reported cost of over $2,000,000.  Because of Indian troubles along the Oregon Trail, and the need to deliver mail to the growing community of Denver, located near Cherry Creek, Ben established the new "Overland Trail. By the spring of 1864 Holladay had acquired almost a complete monopoly of the stage, mail, and freighting buisiness between the Misssouri River and Salt Lake City. Being the boss of 2670 miles of stagelines, he was the biggest individual employer in the United States.
Slight toning on bottom, o/w fine condition. ex 333 225