Riding the Cannonball Stage Line: The Life and Legacy of Cannonball Green

In the late 19th century, the American West was marked by pioneers, adventurers, and entrepreneurs, and one such colorful figure was Donald R. “Cannonball” Green. His legacy is intertwined with the development of the Cannonball Stage Line, a vital link connecting Wichita to towns in western Kansas.

Donald R. Green, born in 1839 in Kentucky, earned his moniker “Cannonball” through his swift and daring stagecoach operations. His stage line, known as the Cannonball Stage Line, became synonymous with speed and efficiency. Operating from Wichita to Kingman and beyond, the route covered approximately 60 miles, leaving a trail of dust and tales of breakneck speeds.

The Cannonball Highway, later designated as a stretch of U.S. Highway 54, played a crucial role in the development of towns such as Garden City, Leoti, Pratt, and Greensburg. Green’s stagecoaches were not merely a mode of transportation; they were a symbol of progress and connectivity in the evolving landscape of western Kansas.

Green’s stagecoaches were renowned for their remarkable speed across the prairie. Relay stations, strategically positioned every 20 miles, facilitated the quick change of horses, allowing the stagecoach to continue its journey “like a shot out of a cannon.” The coaches, painted in vibrant yellow and green, became iconic symbols of the Cannonball Stage Line. “Cannonball” and his wife were always decked out in diamonds. He once said, he “owned more diamonds than were owned altogether west of the Mississippi by all other would-be diamond owners.”

Marshall M. Murdock, founder of the Wichita Eagle newspaper and a close friend of Green, played a significant role in securing agreements for mail and newspaper transportation. The stage line not only transported essential goods but also played a role in the growth of towns along its route.

Green’s influence extended beyond the realm of transportation. He was instrumental in founding Greensburg, a town that bore his name. In 1885, Green organized a town company in Kiowa County, promising free lots to settlers who would relocate from Jaynesville to Greensburg. There is an account from November, 1884 of Green and several other men moving the post office building from Jaynesville to Greensburg, with the postmaster still inside.

Cannonball Green’s stagecoaches were not only a means of transportation but also witnesses to colorful encounters. One notable incident involved the famous temperance advocate, Carrie Nation. Legend has it that Nation, a regular passenger on Green’s stagecoaches, once became displeased with Green smoking a cigar. In a bold move, she grabbed the offensive cigar and tossed it off the stagecoach.

Green, known for his swift actions, immediately brought the horses to a screeching halt. He picked up Nation, who was left standing on the roadside in the coach’s dust. This incident added to the lore of Cannonball Green’s stagecoach adventures, showcasing both his flamboyant personality and his commitment to maintaining order on his stagecoaches.

In 1893, Green ventured to Oklahoma in pursuit of establishing a similar stagecoach line, but economic hardships forced him into a different path. He participated in the Cherokee Strip land run and became involved in the first Oklahoma statehood convention in 1894.

Green’s later years were spent in California, where he continued to make headlines, participating in rodeos and showcasing his stagecoach driving skills. He passed away in 1922 at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy that resonates through the Cannonball Stage Line Highway.

Following his death on July 31, 1922, in Long Beach, California, Donald R. “Cannonball” Green was laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita. The funeral services, conducted at Saint Mary’s Cathedral, marked the final journey for this iconic stagecoach operator. Pallbearers included prominent individuals such as Mr. Leahy, Mr. Bentley, and Mr. Murdoch, reflecting the respect and recognition he garnered throughout his life.

In 1996, a significant step was taken to honor Cannonball Green’s contributions. A stretch of U.S. Highway 54 from Kingman to Greensburg was officially renamed the Cannonball Stage Line Highway. This act not only recognized the historical significance of Green’s stage line but also aimed to promote tourism and economic development in the region.

The Cannonball Stage Line Highway stands as a tribute to a man who, with his stagecoaches, helped shape the history and development of western Kansas. Today, the Cannon Ball Bar & Grill in Greensburg serves as a reminder of the legend of Cannonball Green, offering a place where locals and visitors alike can savor the nostalgia of the past.

As we drive along the Cannonball Stage Line Highway, we are reminded of a bygone era when the thunderous hooves of horses and the rattle of stagecoaches echoed across the Kansas prairie, guided by the indomitable spirit of Donald R. “Cannonball” Green.

To learn more about Wichita’s pioneers check out ic in the ict.