Far outside the restless metropolitan area of Salt Lake City, Utah, the sun beats down on miles of merciless, empty space. If you were to visit, your car would likely be the only one you’d see for a very long time. Sagebrush, pronghorns, jackrabbits, and the shadows of faraway mountains would be your only company. Out in that wilderness, you could easily imagine yourself transported to a time long ago.
It’s in this desolate landscape that the Pony Express riders braved the frontier, connecting the Eastern States to the West Coast with greater speed than ever before. You’ve likely heard the stories in school, but you may not have known that after its beginnings in 1860, the Pony Express was only in operation for eighteen months.
Despite its brief existence which ultimately ended in business failure, the cultural impact of the Pony Express endures because of what the riders demonstrated about the American spirit. Plenty of the historic ground they covered exists almost untouched today as the Pony Express National Historic Trail, covering ground in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California.
What Really Happened?
Before telegraph lines stretched from coast to coast in the States, the Pony Express made it their goal to deliver mail as quickly as possible between the newly christened state of California and the rest of the states on the other side of the Rocky Mountains. In between lay a desert wasteland. Stations were set up so riders could change horses as soon as the beasts got tired of running at a full gallop.
To ensure maximum speed, smaller horses and even some ponies were used, creating the company’s namesake. Small riders were selected as well, each weighing no more than 120 pounds. Upon being hired, the riders were required to make an oath not to drink alcohol, use vulgar language, or engage in fights among themselves.
With this demanding routine, the Pony Express riders were able to deliver mail between Missouri and California in as quickly as ten days’ time. However, this business model struggled because of the steep cost. Sending a half-ounce letter could run you back as much as five dollars, which equates to more than one hundred dollars today. On top of this, the first transcontinental telegraph line had just reached completion, making Pony Express’ services obsolete.
Despite this, the legacy of the Pony Express riders lives on, making up an important part of the lore of America’s Wild West. The riders came to represent American values of grit, determination, and individualism. Perhaps even you have been raised looking up to these riders’ adventurous example.
Where Should I Visit?
Today, the U.S. National Park Service has preserved some trail segments and placed monuments and museums at the most important locations. 1,800 miles worth of historic ground covering eight states are available to visit, so if you’d like to get a better feel for the true Wild West, there are many exciting opportunities.
St. Joseph, Missouri is home to the Pony Express Museum at the head of the trail. This place offers great interactive learning opportunities for children and adults. You can discover the stories of famous riders and see historic artifacts.
In Marysville, Kansas, you’ll find the Pony Express Barn and Museum. This is the only original home station still standing today. Home stations were set up along the trail every 75–100 miles for riders to take a break from the road and quickly hand off their mail to a fresh rider.
In Fairfield, Utah, you’ll find the Camp Floyd State Park Museum, another official site along the historic trail. In the 1860s, this was one of the largest U.S. Army encampments. There was an adobe inn which drew famous visitors such as Mark Twain and Porter Rockwell, and several busy saloons also drew in many weary travelers. It made for a safe layover for Pony Express riders to refresh themselves and replenish resources.
For the Most Adventurous
If you have a taste for a more extreme, immersive adventure, you can follow the trail through the wilderness, camping along the way. Pony Express Trail auto tour guides are available on nps.gov. If you do this, take care to respect private property. Although the area is remote, there are still some privately owned places, as well as prospectors occupying the several mines along the way in western Utah.
It’s wise to bring extra gas, food, a few gallons of water, and emergency supplies. The winding dirt roads stretch across the frontier; you’ll go a long way without seeing any gas stations.
No matter which route you chose, you will find a uniquely rewarding experience as you engage with the Wild West’s rich history and lore.
