History of Greene County, Missouri
1883,R. I. Holcombe, Editing Historian
About the first week in March the telegraph line was completed from St. Louis to Springfield, via Lebanon and Marshfield. The line was built by the government, primarily for the use of the army, and extended along what afterwards came to be known as the "wire road." Soon after its completion to Springfield, the line was extended to Cassville, and on down to Curtis' army.
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Hope that this is of some help,
Jim Morris