Over 100 stations, 400-500 horses and enough riders were needed – at an estimated cost of $70,000. But on April 3, 1860, the first official delivery began at the eastern terminus of the Pony Express in St. Joseph, Missouri.

When was Pony Express first used?

On April 3, 1860, the first Pony Express mail, traveling by horse and rider relay teams, simultaneously leaves St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California.

Who was the very first Pony Express rider?

Johnny Fry (1840-1863) – Johnny Fry was the first “official” westbound rider of the Pony Express and Union soldier killed during the Civil War. Johnny Fry was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky to John Fry and Mary Fry in 1840.

How many Pony Express riders died?

7. How many Pony Express riders died on the job? There is historical documentation that four Pony riders were killed by Indians;one was hanged for murder after he got drunk and killed a man;one died in an unrelated accident;and two froze to death.

How many miles did Pony Express rider ride in one day?

Riders would travel 75 to 100 miles a day, switching horses every 10 to 12 miles. The fastest delivery in the history of the Pony Express was seven days and seventeen hours. It was to deliver President Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address.

When did the Pony Express begin and end?

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.

Who started the Pony Express back in 1860?

By 1860, the population had grown to 380,000. The demand for a faster way to get the mail and other communications to and from this westernmost state became even greater as the American Civil War approached. William Russell, Alexander Majors, and William B. Waddell were the three founders of the Pony Express.

Who were the real Pony Express riders?

Notable Riders

• Johnny Fry. Johnny was born in Kentucky and moved with his family to Missouri when he was 16 years old.
• William Campbell. Billy came to the United States with his parents as a young boy.
• Major Howard Egan.
• Robert Haslam.
• William (Sam) Hamilton.

Was there a female Pony Express rider?

Women aren’t often mention in connection with the Pony Express. There’s no record of a woman ever taking part as a rider, but that doesn’t mean women didn’t play an important role. “A woman on Plum Creek in Nebraska Territory started a store across from a Pony Express station.

Who was a famous Pony Express rider?

Although a financially disastrous brief enterprise, the Pony Express and its most famous riders, such as William (“Buffalo Bill”) Cody and Robert (“Pony Bob”) Haslam, captured the national imagination as one of the most daring and colourful episodes in the history of the American West.

Did Pony Express riders carry Bibles?

In addition to the mailbag, the Pony Express riders carried two things: a Bible, and a gun.

Who was the youngest rider for the Pony Express?

One of the youngest who claimed to be a Pony Express rider was 11-year old Charlie Miller. One of the oldest was 45-year old Major Howard Egan, who also worked as a station keeper.

Did Jesse James ever Ride the Pony Express?

At eighteen, he was one of the best Pony Express riders in the service. James’s route lay between Simpson’s Park and Cole Springs, Nevada, in the Smoky Valley range of mountains. He rode only sixty miles each way but covered his round trip of 120 miles in just 12 hours, including all stops.

What was the average speed of a Pony Express horse?

The Pony Express was set up to provide a fresh horse every 10-15 miles and a fresh rider every 75-100 miles. 75 horses were needed total to make a one-way trip. Average speed was 10 miles per hour.

How much did Pony Express riders make a month?

In exchange for their $100-150 monthly salaries—a substantial sum for the time—Pony Express riders were expected to take a loyalty oath that read: “I do hereby swear, before the Great and Living God, that during my engagement, and while an employee of Russell, Majors and Waddell, I will, under no circumstances, use

How far apart were the Pony Express stations?

The Pony Express Used Over 190 Stations Pony stations were generally located between 5 to 20 miles apart. The terrain and its effect on horse travel determined the number and the distance between stations. Stations that already existed for the stagecoach line were also used for “The Pony”.