by Erin Feith, Coordinator of Research & Visitor Engagement
July 8, 2025
The Turnpike Era of the early 19th century saw the construction of more expedient and better connected roadways which were traveled by new forms of transportation, namely the stagecoach. Known as “flying machines” for their speed, the first stagecoach rode onto the scene in New Jersey by 1772, before quickly becoming one of the most widely used means of travel along the newly constructed thoroughfares. Demonstrating a uniquely intertwined history, the rise – and decline – of the stagecoach paralleled that of the turnpike.
Beginning in 1801, the construction of toll roads such as the Morris, Union, and Washington Turnpikes, which offered more direct routes between major hubs, created new opportunities for the transportation of goods and, more particularly, people. Indeed, while used for freight and mail service, most stagecoach revenue came from passenger travel. Prioritizing comfort, the body of the carriage was put on springs, widened, and lifted further from the ground. Inside, the previously bare and rigid benches were replaced with bench seats suspended from leather straps or supported by iron springs to alleviate bumpiness. Additionally, the interiors were outfitted with leather or woolen side curtains that could be lowered during inclement weather. In total, most stages could hold up to 12 passengers with baggage stored under the seat or fastened to the back of the coach.
In addition to convenience, turnpikes also offered financial benefits to stagecoach operators. Since more than a few stage company partners were also stockholders in turnpikes, they often made deals where companies paid a reduced toll, typically at about a 30% discount. Payment, which depended on the amount of trips taken and the type of vehicle a given company used, were settled on a quarterly or semiannual basis rather than on each journey. This contributed to the speediness of stagecoaches in comparison to private transportation, as they did not have to stop at tollgates like other travelers.
Stagecoach travel continued to be one of the fastest ways to travel over land until the mid-19th century when it was superseded by canals and railroads. Canal boats could move up to 10 times as much freight as horse-drawn transportation, and trains offered passengers a much faster and cost- effective means of travel. However, stagecoaches continued to be used for local traffic for a time. Despite their decline, the influence of the stagecoach traverses the generations, providing a roadmap for the development of the area.
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