overland mail

American  

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

Helped by his oldtime experience as an overland mail contractor.

From Time Magazine Archive

For in 1860 Russel, Majors & Waddel accomplished 267 a remarkable coup and brought the overland mail to the northern route.

From When the West Was Young by Bechdolt, Frederick R. (Frederick Ritchie)

While this story was being written another pioneer died on that overland mail route.

From When the West Was Young by Bechdolt, Frederick R. (Frederick Ritchie)

We could not hope to hear more for at least six weeks, since our letter had come by overland mail, and the Douro would take her time. 

From Chantry House by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

He passed by a Moqui village and thence on to the overland mail route.

From Mormon Settlement in Arizona A Record of Peaceful Conquest of the Desert by McClintock, James H.