More than 1,800 miles in 10 days! From St. Joseph, Missouri , to Sacramento, California the Pony Express could deliver a letter faster than ever before. In operation for only 18 months between April 1860 and October 1861, the Pony Express nevertheless has become synonymous with the Old West.
How many horses died in the Pony Express?
The Pony Express was a special target. Seven other express stations were also attacked; 16 employees were killed, and around 150 express horses were either stolen or driven off.
Why did they call it the Pony Express?
The term ‘pony express’ had been used before, and, indeed, Americans had transmitted information on the backs of fast horses since colonial times . Historians of mail service always note that Genghis Khan used mounted couriers. It was from the first a madcap if wonderfully romantic idea.
How far did the Pony Express riders go in one day?
Riders would travel 75 to 100 miles a day , switching horses every 10 to 12 miles. The fastest delivery in the history of the Pony Express was seven days and seventeen hours. It was to deliver President Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address.
What killed the Pony Express?
The company had spent its brief history bridging the gap between the Eastern and Western telegraph lines, but it was finally rendered obsolete on October 24, 1861, when Western Union completed the transcontinental telegraph line at Salt Lake City. The Pony Express ceased service just two days later.
Who was the youngest Pony Express rider?
And so, Bronco Charlie , Pony Express Rider was born. There were 240 riders and Charlie was the youngest.
Did Pony Express riders carry guns?
Who knew that the Pony Express was founded with a presumption that its riders would be Christian? ... In addition to the mailbag, the Pony Express riders carried two things: a Bible, and a gun.
Was there a female Pony Express rider?
Women aren’t often mention in connection with the Pony Express. There’s no record of a woman ever taking part as a rider , but that doesn’t mean women didn’t play an important role.
What replaced the Pony Express?
Nineteen months after launching the Pony Express, it was replaced by the Pacific Telegraph line . The Pony Express was no longer needed. While it existed, the Pony Express provided a needed service but it was never quite the financial success it was hoped to be.
Was Billy the Kid a Pony Express rider?
Billy came to the United States with his parents as a young boy . After a few years, he and his brother were hired by Russell, Majors and Waddell as bullwackers. Later they were sent west to help build stations for the Pony Express.
Can a horse run itself to death?
Yes, horses can run themselves to death . While running, horses place their cardiovascular and respiratory systems under a lot of pressure, which could, in some situations, lead to a heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure, and lead to death.
How long would it take a horse to travel 100 miles?
A more fit horse may cover more distance if he is able to trot or canter for part of the time. 100 miles or 160 km in an Endurance competition on 1 horse where you are trying to win can be done in about 14 hours , not counting the stops for vet checks.
How fast was the Pony Express?
The Pony Express was set up to provide a fresh horse every 10-15 miles and a fresh rider every 75-100 miles. 75 horses were needed total to make a one-way trip. Average speed was 10 miles per hour .
How old was the youngest rider on the Pony Express?
One of the youngest who claimed to be a Pony Express rider was 11-year old Charlie Miller. One of the oldest was 45-year old Major Howard Egan, who also worked as a station keeper.
What puts Pony Express out of business?
When the first transcontinental telegraph system was completed on Oct. 24, 1861, it put the Pony Express out of business.
Can you drive the Pony Express Trail?
Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guides: Pony Express Trail
There are auto tour route guides available for the trail across MO, KS, NE, CO, WY, UT, and NV.
