The Pony Express was started by three men, William Russell, William Waddell and Alexander Majors who owned a freight business in Kansas City, Missouri. Telegraph service to the West was coming but had not yet happened. These men recognized a need for faster communications with the West, and the Pony Express was born.
The First Mail Delivery
The first mail shipment for the Pony Express was sent by train from Washington DC to St. Joseph, Missouri, north of Kansas City on March 31, 1860. Three days later on April 3, a lone rider on horseback departed from St. Joseph, headed to Sacramento California, carrying a packet of mail to be delivered on the way West. At the same time, a rider left Sacramento, heading toward St. Joseph.
Pony Express Riders
Approximately eighty young men, including William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, were hired to ride for the Pony Express, each earning $25 per week. An advertisement for Pony Express riders stated that they wanted young men under the age of 18, who were willing to risk death daily were desired. Orphans were preferred. However, most of the riders were not orphans, and the majority were over 18. One rider was as young as 11 years old, and the oldest was over 40.
Pony Express Service
The Pony Express service consisted of relay teams of horses and riders at more than 100 stops along the route from Missouri to California. It cost the public $5 for every half-ounce of mail they wanted to send by the service. The initial ride from St. Joseph to Sacramento took 9 days and 23 hours; the eastbound ride took 11 days and 12 hours. Each rider covered 75-100 miles along the route. Riders received fresh horses every 10-15 miles. The relay riders of the Pony Express could cover 250 miles over rugged, dangerous territory in a 24 hour period. Each eastbound and westbound journey averaged 10 hours, which was about half the time it took to send mail by coach. The fastest delivery time for the Pony Express was just over 7 days; a record that was set when they were entrusted to carry President Lincoln's Inaugural address from St. Joseph to a telegraph office in California.
The Demise of The Pony Express
The Pony Express lasted only 19 months, ending with the final ride on October 24, 1861. It was never a financial success, causing bankruptcy for its founders when they failed to get a government grant. Also, with the completion of the Pacific Telegraph line connecting East to West, the service had become obsolete.
The Pony Express Museum
The birthplace of the Pony Express, Pikes Peak Stables in St. Joseph, Missouri still stands today. Housed within this historic structure is the Pony Express Museum. Interactive and educational exhibits tell the story of the Pony Express to visitors of all ages.
The museum operates seven days a week. Hours are 9am-5pm Monday through Saturday, and 1pm-5pm on Sundays. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens 60 and older, $2 for students aged 7-18. Children 6 and under are free.
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