April 3 is an important day in history for St. Joseph, Mo., where I live. On this date in 1860, the first Pony Express rider carried the mail from St. Joseph toward California - and forever into history.
In honor of this achievement, here are some facts about the Pony Express for Tidbit Tuesday:
A field trip to the Pony Express Museum which depicts
Johnny Frye preparing for the first ride on April 3, 1860.
All riders were given a Bible and signed an oath not to use profane language, drink liquor or quarrel with fellow employees.
On average, it took 12 days for the mail pouch, known as a mochilla, to travel the 2,000-mile route.
Riders rode a horse for 10 to 15 miles - or about an hour - and then changed mounts. The riders would change every 75 to 100 miles.
The rate for mail started out at $5 an ounce.
The Pony Express ran for 18 months until it was put out of business by the U.S. Transcontinental Telegraph.
Happy trails as we remember the Pony Express this week!
~Susan Mires
Love this. I've always been enamored of the Pony Express, believing when I was a child that I would have made a great rider for them. lol
ReplyDeleteHaha, love that, Patricia. I think I would've made a good one too. As long as I had a good, trained horse. I was pretty little when I had a horse and she ran off with me a few times.
DeleteI'm sure you would have, Patricia! There is something so romantic about a lone rider facing the dangers of the frontier to carry the news.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Susan!
DeleteGreat tidbits, Susie. The history of the Pony Express is facsinating--even given its short life. You should write a story about it. :-)
ReplyDeleteNow that is a capital idea! Let's get together this weekend and talk about stories and writing :)
DeleteI love these fascinating tidbits about the Pony Express! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com