Historical1860
Pony Express Begins Service
The Pony Express began its first westbound mail delivery from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, cutting cross-country mail delivery from weeks to about ten days. The service employed young riders who braved harsh terrain and weather.
Why It Matters
The Pony Express symbolized the nation's commitment to connecting its citizens across vast distances, reinforcing the bonds of a continental republic on the eve of the Civil War.