Special Sub-Topic: The Pony Express Click Here To Play: The Pony Express

What states did the Pony Express riders travel between?

Missouri to California. When California became a state in 1850, nearly 2,000 miles of open country separated it from the frontier states along the Missouri River.

How many months did the Pony Express run for?

18 months. It ran from April 1860 to October 1861.

What freight companies organized the Pony Express?

Russell, Majors and Waddell. Senator William M. Gwin of California persuaded Russell, Majors and Waddell to organize the Pony Express.

How many miles long was the trail that the Pony Express riders would travel?

1,900 miles.

What trail(s) did the Pony Express follow?

Oregon and California Trails. A 1,900 mile route from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. It was 100 miles shorter than the stage coach route.

In the first weeks of the service, each rider carried a sheath knife, a horn, a cavalry rifle and colt revolvers. What was something else the riders carried with them?

Bible. They carried these items for only a week but every pound slowed them down so this equipment was reduced to a single revolver.

How much were the Express riders given a month?

$100.

What did the Express riders carry?

Mail.

When did the Pony Express start?

April 1860.

When was the last run?

October 24, 1861.