Article found in the vertical files of the Atlanta Public Library.

by Conley Stevens
grandson of Young Stevens

About 1850 or earlier, a stage coach line started operating from Jefferson to Clarksville via of the present Hughes Springs. It was operated by Young Stevens who had moved her in 1839. He was assisted by his sons who took turns driving. Stevens owned and lived on the place which later belonged to R. M. Hanes. It was known also as the Driver place. Across the road, an acre lot was used as a stage coach barn. There Stevens kept the coaches lined up, as many as twenty at a time. Barns and stalls were kept in readiness for the tired horses when they came in from a trip. The new Wilkerson home now stands on that lot.

The stages carried passengers and mail, charging ten to twenty-five cents for letters. Rates for other cargo were much higher. The line had good business for several years because Jefferson at that time was the gateway into Texas via Cypress River which was navigable until the late 1890's. Clarksville was the principal town and disbursing center in its region. Migrants from eastern and southern states often traveled this route into the interior of Texas.

The stage coach line was discontinued after trains came to this area.

The name stagecoach originated from the custom of changing horses at regular distances. The drive of one team was known as a stage; thus a coach traveled in Astages@ or set distances. Most coach drivers were grand, popular figures who collected and broadcast news at all the stations along the line.