USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -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.

Detailed explanation-2: -But on April 3, 1860, the first official delivery began at the eastern terminus of the Pony Express in St. Joseph, Missouri. Amid great fanfare and with many dignitaries present, a mail pouch containing 49 letters, five telegrams and miscellaneous papers was handed to a rider.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Pony Express Company, the brainchild of William H. Russell, William Bradford Waddell and Alexander Majors, owners of a freight business, was set up over 150 relay stations along a pioneer trail across the present-day states of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California.

Detailed explanation-4: -As the capital of California, Sacramento served as the westernmost terminus of the Pony Express. It was there in the city’s bustling downtown that riders would mount their horses before starting their journey eastward.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Pony Express was formed to speed up the mail process by hiring 80 men to take the mail to the west on horseback.