The Smoky Hill Trail Association started in 2007 when Leo Oliva proposed the idea to a group of interested fans. Those fans were Donna Malcom, Jody Zeman, Jere DeBacker, Mike Baughn, Sam Chestnut, Jim Gray, and Lemeul Marsh. Taking the initiative, this group laid the groundwork for what the association is today.
Our Founder: David A. Butterfield
David, the oldest son of Daniel and Amanda Butterfield, was born January 17, 1834, in Jay, Franklin County, Maine. He married Mary M Stephens in 1855 and not long afterward moved his family West to fulfill his dream of operating a stage and freight line. By 1864 he was living in Atchison, Kansas and his dream of the Butterfield Overland Despatch became a reality.
Our Mission Statement
The Smoky Hill Trail Association, Inc., will preserve the historical legacy of the Smoky Hill Trail, promote its designation as a National Historic Trail and interpret the events, remnants and locations that represent the historic trail, the Butterfield’s Overland Despatch (B.O.D.), successor freight and stage lines and the railroad and highways that replaced this important overland trail.
Our Officers and Directors - 2023
Jim Mayhew, President
Bob Anderson, Vice President
Mike Baughn, Secretary
Marilyn Copeland, Treasurer
Marla Matkin, Director
Mary Lattin, Director
Mary Anderson, Director
Deb Miller, Director
Nancy Arendt, Director
Theron Mayhew, Newsletter Editor
Dee Saddler, Facebook Coordinator
Pattie Mayhew, Website Coordinator
Ramon Powers, Chairman, Trail Designation