The Pony Express National Museum – St. Joseph, Misouri April 3, 1860 is the date of the first rider leaving Pikes Peak Stables in St. Joseph, Missouri with saddlebags filled with mail to be delivered on the 2000 mile route to Sacramento, California.
The Pony Express was founded by William H. Russell, William B. Waddell, and Alexander Majors. Plans for the Pony Express were spurred by the threat of the Civil War and the need for faster communication with the West. The Pony Express consisted of relays of men riding horses carrying saddlebags of mail across a 2000-mile trail. The first westbound trip was made in 9 days and 23 hours and the eastbound journey in 11 days and 12 hours. The pony riders covered 250 miles in a 24-hour day.
Eventually, the Pony Express had more than 100 stations, 80 riders, and between 400 and 500 horses. The express route was extremely hazardous, but only one mail delivery was ever lost. The service lasted only 19 months until October 24, 1861, when the completion of the Pacific Telegraph line ended the need for its existence. Although California relied upon news from the Pony Express during the early days of the Civil War, the horse line was never a financial success, leading its founders to bankruptcy. However, the romantic drama surrounding the Pony Express has made it a part of the legend of the American West.
The riders were paid $100 per month. Age ranged from 11 to mid 40s. Riders had to weigh less than 125 lbs. Riders Changed every 75 to 100 miles.
Horses Changed every 10 to 15 miles. The speed of the rider averaged 10 miles per hour. The number of horses were about 400 Mustangs and Morgans
There were estimated between 150 and 190 stations which were located every 5 – 20 miles. The cost of the mail was $5 per 1/2 ounce at first. Later, the price was $1 per 1/2 ounce.
The museum has a vast array of interesting material to read about the housing provided and the food available. If you thought it would be romantic to have been a Pony Express Rider, you may want to visit the museum and read the information, it probably would change your mind.
Location: 914 Penn Street
Phone: 1. 816.279.5059 or 1. 800.530.5930
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm
Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day
General Admission Rates
Adults – $4.00
Seniors (60 and above) – $3.00
Students (ages 7-18) – $2.00
Age 6 & under are free
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