You'll hear the sound of horses' hooves before you spot the Pony Express rider in a red shirt and brown vest. Just as the Pony Express did in 1860, members of the national Pony Express Association have again carried the U.S. mail from Sacramento to St. Joseph. Rob Crumbliss rode the first leg of the Oregon Trail to Oak.
Each June the National Pony Express Association re-rides the 1,966 mile route from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri, along the original Pony Express route. During this year's ride, Ron Lindval (right), Edgar, was presented with a patch for his 35 years of service by Cathy Stevens, the Nebraska president
On June 7, members of the National Pony Express Association began their anual re-ride, carrying mail the 1,966 miles from Sacramento, California, to St. Joseph, Missouri. The ride covers, eight states and the event is conducted 24 hours a day until the mail is delivered to its final destination. More than 750 riders participate and around 1,000 letters were mailed.
The Pony Express operated for just 18 months between April, 1860, and October, 1861. Dispite its short life, it has become synonymous with the Old West. In the era before mass communication, the Pony Express was the thread that tied East to West.
In June of 1860, about 10 weeks after the Pony Express began operations, Congress authorized a bill to subsidize a transcontinental telegraph line to connect the Missouri River and the Pacific Coast. While the telegraph lines were under construction, the Pony Express operated. On Oct. 26, 1861, the telgraph lines were completed and The Pony Express was officially terminated. The last Pony Express letters completed their journey in November of 1861.
Most of the original trail has been lost over time, and along many segments, the trail's actual route and length are unknown. In the western states, the majority of the trail has been converted, to double track dirt roads. Short segments, believed to be traces of the original trail, can be seen only in Utah and California. Today's cowboys and cowgirls are keeping this grand tradition alive by putting the Mochila on their horses, and stepping up into the saddle to ride into history! For more information on how to participate or to Follow next year's ride head over to, nationalponyexpress.org
Reader Comments(0)