1039. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm
As the only working stagecoach stop left on the Santa Fe Trail, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm offers unique experiences and opportunities that engage visitors of all ages in discovering 1860s farming, life on the Kansas frontier, and stagecoach travel.
A Brief History
Arriving in Olathe in 1857 from Logansport, Indiana, James B. and Lucinda Mahaffie purchased the farm site you can visit today.
It is believed the Mahaffies started serving travelers from their first home as early as 1858. By 1864, coaches began using the farm as a stop. Late in 1865 and until about 1870, coach passengers and other hungry travelers took their meals in the basement of the “new” stone farmhouse, designed to serve as a kitchen and dining hall.
In 1867, Lucinda, her daughters, and hired helpers might have served as many as 50 to 100 meals a day. While coach passengers ate, incoming teams of horses were switched for fresh animals. Follow in the footsteps of these same passengers and travelers when you visit!
James ‘Beatty’ Mahaffie was first, and foremost, a farmer and identified himself as such when state and federal census’ were taken. The family did not suffer when the railroad arrived in Olathe in 1869, ultimately ending stagecoach operations through Olathe. Beatty helped serve on the board of directors of the original organization that was predecessor to the railroad company that would finally be responsible for bringing the train to town.
Mahaffie Today
The Mahaffie home and adjoining property was purchased by the City of Olathe in 1979 to ensure its preservation and operate as a museum and historic site.
For more information:
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site