Pony Express

Pony Express
Company type	Mail delivery service
Industry	Postal service
Founded	1860; 166 years ago
Founder	William Hepburn Russell, Alexander Majors, William B. Waddell
Defunct	1861
Fate	Ceased operations after telegraph lines became operational
Area served	United States (Missouri to California)
Key people	William Hepburn Russell, Alexander Majors, William B. Waddell
Products	Express mail delivery by horseback riders

The Pony Express was a United States express mail system that utilized horseback riders to transport mail between Missouri and California. This service was managed by the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company.

Functioning for a period of 18 months beginning in 1860, the Pony Express reduced the mail delivery time between the eastern and western US coast to approximately ten days. Prior to the establishment of the first transcontinental telegraph on October 24, 1861, it represented the quickest means of communication across the western states and played a vital role in connecting California with the rest of the nation.

Although it received substantial government subsidies, the Pony Express never achieved profitability and ceased operations after 18 months when telegraph lines became operational. Nonetheless, it demonstrated that reliable year-round transcontinental communication was achievable. The service’s dependence on expert riders and swift horses came to symbolize the spirit of rugged individualism associated with American frontier expansion.

Inception and founding

The rapid population growth in California following the 1848 gold rush created an urgent demand for expedited mail services to the Pacific Coast. By 1860, California’s population had grown to 380,000, elevating its political significance nationwide. As tensions escalated toward the American Civil War, calls for faster communication intensified.

Entrepreneurs William Hepburn Russell, Alexander Majors, and William B. Waddell were prominent freight operators overseeing large-scale logistics involving thousands of oxen, wagons, warehouses, and related operations.

Russell was a well-regarded business figure; Waddell co-owned Morehead, Waddell & Co., which initially proposed the Pony Express concept to President Buchanan in 1859. Following corporate reorganization, Russell, Majors & Waddell formed in 1855 and secured government contracts supplying military outposts. Russell envisioned similar contracts for rapid mail delivery.

They introduced a plan for swift mail transport using mounted riders along a shorter route from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, guaranteeing delivery within ten days—a promise met with skepticism by many. The initial postage cost was $5 per half-ounce but was lowered to $1 by July 1861—still considerably above standard rates. The founders sought an exclusive government contract for mail delivery but were unsuccessful.

Within two months during winter 1860, they established the Pony Express network consisting of 80 riders, 184 stations, approximately 400 horses, and hundreds of employees by early 1861.

Majors, known for his devout nature, required riders to take an oath emphasizing integrity and discipline, reflecting his strategic approach to managing personnel:

Operation

By 1860, roughly 186 Pony Express stations were positioned at intervals along the route. At each station, riders exchanged horses and carried solely a mail pouch called a mochila—a Spanish term meaning pouch or backpack. Protecting this pouch was paramount; riders were instructed that both horse and rider should sacrifice themselves before losing the mochila.

The mochila was fastened over the saddle and contained four locked compartments known as cantinas, each holding bundles of mail. It could accommodate about three pounds of mail plus an additional pound of material on horseback. Initially, riders carried a Bible, horn, rifle, two Colt revolvers, and ammunition for defense. To decrease weight and increase speed, they later reduced their armament to one revolver and carried a water bag instead. This allowed a total load of around thirty pounds on the horse’s back. Riders typically weighed less than 125 pounds, changed mounts every ten to fifteen miles, and rode continuously through day and night shifts. In urgent situations, they sometimes covered two consecutive stages without rest—riding over twenty hours on swift horses.

Riders traversed central Nevada; however, it remains uncertain whether they crossed the Sierra Nevada during winter months. By 1860, Carson City had established a telegraph station along the route. Pony Express riders earned $125 monthly—a wage significantly higher than unskilled laborers who made between $0.43 and $1 per day or semi-skilled workers earning under $2 daily.

Alexander Majors procured over 400 horses at an average price of $200 each for service in the Pony Express. These horses typically stood about four feet tall and weighed close to 900 pounds—attributes that justified calling them "ponies," despite some being larger animals.

Pony Express route

Starting from St. Joseph, Missouri, the route spanned approximately and closely traced the paths of the Oregon Trail and California Trail until reaching Fort Bridger in Wyoming. From there, it followed the Mormon Trail (Hastings Cutoff) to Salt Lake City, Utah. The journey continued along the Central Nevada Route to Carson City in Nevada Territory, then crossed the Sierra Nevada mountains before arriving at Sacramento, California. Subsequently, mail was either loaded onto boats bound for San Francisco or occasionally transported by riders and ferries.

The path commenced at St. Joseph, Missouri, situated on the Missouri River, and proceeded along what is now U.S. Route 36 (known as the Pony Express Highway) toward Marysville, Kansas. It then veered northwest following the course of the Little Blue River to reach Fort Kearny, Nebraska. Traversing Nebraska via the Great Platte River Road, it passed through Gothenburg and near Julesburg, Colorado, with prominent landmarks such as Courthouse Rock, Chimney Rock, and Scotts Bluff along the way before arriving at Fort Laramie and Fort Caspar in Wyoming. The route then tracked the Sweetwater River, passing notable formations like Independence Rock, Devil's Gate, and Split Rock through South Pass en route to Fort Bridger and then southward to Salt Lake City.

Beyond Salt Lake City, the trail followed the Central Nevada Route established in 1859 by Captain James H. Simpson, roughly aligning with present-day U.S. Route 50. This segment crossed the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe before reaching Sacramento. From there, mail was transported by steamer down the Sacramento River to San Francisco. Initially, an alternative overland course was utilized or when steamer departures were missed; this route approximated today's Interstate 80, Interstate 680, and California Route 24 passing through Benicia. It involved crossing the Carquinez Strait via ferry to Martinez, continuing by horseback to Oakland, and then crossing San Francisco Bay by ferry to reach San Francisco.

Stations

The Pony Express operated over a challenging path supported by 190 stations vital for maintaining prompt mail delivery. These stations were often either adapted existing structures or newly built in isolated locations and were integral to operations by enabling swift horse changes and providing rest for riders. The entire route was segmented into five divisions containing 157 relay stations spaced between 5 and 25 miles apart to optimize speed and efficiency. "Swing stations" were designated for changing horses rapidly, while "home stations" offered accommodation for riders. Each rider typically covered approximately 75 miles daily to ensure rapid cross-country mail transport.

Division One: Stations spanning from St. Joseph to Fort Kearney

Missouri:
1. St. Joseph Station

Kansas:
2. Troy Station
3. Lewis Station
4. Kennekuk Station
5. Kickapoo Station
6. Log Chain Station
7. Seneca Station
8. Ash Point Station
9. Guittard Station
10. Marysville Station
11. Cottonwood Station
12. Atchison Station
13. Lancaster Station

Nebraska:
14. Rock House Station
15. Rock Creek Station
16. Virginia City
17. Big Sandy Station
18. Millersville Station
19. Kiowa Station
20. Little Blue Station
21. Liberty Farm Station
22. Spring Ranch Station
23. Thirty-two Mile Creek Station
24. Sand Hill Station
25. Hook's Valley Station
26. Fort Kearney

Division Two: Stations between Fort Kearney and Horseshoe Creek

Nebraska (continued):
27. Seventeen Mile Station
28. Garden Station
29. Plum Creek Station
30. Willow Island Station
31. Cold Water Station
32. Gilman's Station
33. Machette's Station
34. Cottonwood Springs Station
35. Cold Springs Station
36. Fremont Springs Station
37. O'Fallon's Bluff Station
38. Alkali Lake Station
39. Gill's Sand Hill Station
40. Diamond Springs Station
41. Beauvais Ranch Station

Colorado:
42. Frontz's South Platte Station
43. Julesburg Station

Nebraska (continued):
44-53: Nine Mile to Horse Creek Stations

Wyoming:
54-59: Cold Springs to Horseshoe Creek Stations

Division Three: Stations between Horseshoe Creek and Salt Lake City

Wyoming (continued):
60-95: Elk Horn to Bear River Stations

Utah:
96-105: The Needles to Salt Lake City Stations

Division Four: Stations between Salt Lake City and Robert's Creek

Utah (continued):
106-123: Trader's Rest to Deep Creek Stations

Nevada:
124-135: Prairie Gate to Robert's Creek Stations

Division Five: Stations between Roberts Creek and Sacramento

Nevada (continued):
136-166: Camp to Friday's Lakeside Stations

California:

167-186: Woodford's to San Francisco Stations

Westbound

The initial westbound Pony Express expedition left St. Joseph on April 3, 1860, reaching Sacramento, California, by April 14. Correspondence was sent under special cover to St. Joseph and did not enter the official U.S. postal system directly. Only a single letter from this maiden voyage is known to survive, enclosed in an envelope bearing postage first issued by the U.S. Post Office in 1855.

The courier transporting the mochila from New York and Washington missed a scheduled connection in Detroit, arriving two hours late at Hannibal, Missouri. A dedicated locomotive named Missouri traversed Missouri in a record time of 4 hours and 51 minutes, maintaining an average speed of . It reached the vicinity of the company’s base at Patee House in St. Joseph, carrying the initial pouch which contained 49 letters, five private telegrams, and documents destined for San Francisco and other stops along the route.

Speeches were delivered by St. Joseph Mayor M. Jeff Thompson, William H. Russell, and Alexander Majors before the mochila was passed on around 7:15 pm. The only newspaper included was the St. Joseph Gazette.

The true identity of the first rider remains uncertain; some accounts attribute it to Johnson William Richardson while others credit Johnny Fry. The inaugural westbound rider transported the pouch across the Missouri River ferry to Elwood, Kansas. The first mounted segment covered approximately from the stables to the ferry at Jules Street. Contemporary reports suggest both horse and rider crossed together; in subsequent crossings, riders dismounted before crossing and then mounted fresh horses on the opposite bank.

The initial westbound mochila arrived in Sacramento at 1:00 am on April 14.

Eastbound

The first eastbound Pony Express journey departed Sacramento on April 3, 1860, arriving in St. Joseph, Missouri, ten days later. From that point, letters entered the official U.S. mail system for delivery eastward. Only two letters from this inaugural eastbound run are known to exist.

Mail

Due to its short lifespan between 1860 and 1861 and the steep cost—initially $5.00 per half-ounce letter (equivalent to more than two days' wages)—Pony Express mail is exceptionally rare. Although rates eventually decreased to $1.00 per half-ounce by the end of operations, they remained costly. Approximately 250 pieces of Pony Express mail have survived, highlighting their rarity and significance in postal history.

Postmarks

A variety of postmarks were applied at departure points to verify authenticity of Pony Express mail.

Fastest mail service

William Russell, senior partner in Russell, Majors, and Waddell and a principal investor in the Pony Express, capitalized on the 1860 presidential election to demonstrate the service’s speed advantage. Unlike previous elections where results took months to arrive, the Pony Express delivered news of Abraham Lincoln’s victory from Fort Kearny to California newspapers in just over seven days—an extraordinary feat that underscored its rapid communication capabilities. This prompt delivery was especially important as Lincoln’s presidency ushered in the Civil War era. To maintain swift operations during this critical time, Russell strategically increased both rider numbers and horse availability.

Attacks

The operations of the Pony Express were severely disrupted during the Paiute War (May–June 1860) due to raids carried out by the Northern Paiute tribe in Nevada. These attacks interfered with mail delivery and inflicted considerable financial damage on the company. After completing eight weekly trips between Sacramento and Saint Joseph, the Pony Express halted its services amid increasing hostilities.

Around 6,000 Paiutes had suffered through a brutal winter, which intensified tensions, although Chief Numaga sought to maintain peace. Nevertheless, a raiding group assaulted Williams Station, a vital Pony Express outpost located on the Carson River (currently submerged under Lake Lahontan reservoir). The attack resulted in five fatalities and the destruction of the station. This assault was either an act of provocation or retaliation linked to accusations of Paiute women being kidnapped.

Following this incident, further ambushes targeted white settlers within Paiute lands, with Pony Express stations frequently in the crosshairs. Seven stations experienced attacks; 16 employees lost their lives and approximately 150 horses were stolen or driven away. The isolated nature of these stations left them vulnerable, making employment there perilous. The company faced losses estimated at $75,000 in livestock and equipment due to these conflicts.

By June 1860, U.S. military forces suppressed the uprising, enabling delayed mail deliveries to recommence, with four overdue shipments arriving in San Francisco on June 25. Remarkably, one mail pouch dispatched from San Francisco on July 21, 1860, did not reach St. Joseph or New York until nearly two years later, underscoring the extent of operational disruption during this period.

Famous riders

In 1860, Pony Express riders needed to be both resilient and lightweight. A widely referenced advertisement called for "Young, skinny, wiry fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred," though historian Joseph Nardone contends this advertisement was fabricated after the fact.

Typically, about 80 riders were active along the route at any given time, supported by around 400 other personnel such as station keepers and superintendents. Despite numerous applicants, founders Waddell and Majors offered a monthly salary of $100—a significant amount for that era—to secure skilled riders. Mark Twain portrayed these riders in Roughing It as "... usually a little bit of a man," emphasizing their small size but vital contribution to the American frontier. While no official roster of riders was maintained by the company, Raymond and Nancy Settle compiled a partial list in their 1972 work Saddles & Spurs.

It is important to note that Wild Bill Hickok never served as a rider; his role was limited to that of a stocktender.

First riders

The identity of the initial westbound rider departing from St. Joseph remains debated among historians, who favor either Johnny Fry or Billy Richardson. Both men were employed for A. E. Lewis' Division, responsible for an 80-mile stretch to Seneca, Kansas, maintaining an average speed of 12½ miles per hour including stops.

Prior to the first ride on April 3, 1860, speeches highlighted the Pony Express as a forerunner to the transcontinental railroad. At approximately 7:15 pm, William H. Russell handed over the mail pouch to the first rider amid applause and cannon fire; this rider then crossed the Missouri River by ferry to begin his journey. The initial eastbound mail arrived in Salt Lake City on April 9 and reached Carson City by April 12. By midnight on April 14, official government dispatches and newspapers—totaling 85 items—had arrived in San Francisco on this inaugural trip.

James Randall is recognized as "the first eastbound rider" departing from San Francisco’s Alta telegraph office; he traveled by steamship to Sacramento where William (Sam) Hamilton commenced riding at 2:45 am on April 4. Hamilton proceeded to Sportsman Hall Station before transferring the mail pouch to Warren Upson for continuation eastward. This relay location is marked by a California Registered Historical Landmark:

William Cody

William "Buffalo Bill" Cody stands out as the most legendary figure associated with the Pony Express, symbolizing its enduring mythos. At the age of 15, while journeying westward, he joined the Pony Express, initially helping construct way-stations before becoming a rider himself. His route included a 45-mile delivery from Julesburg, followed by a transfer to Slade's Division in Wyoming. Cody is said to have completed the longest continuous ride in Pony Express history—covering 322 miles in 21 hours and 40 minutes—after his relief rider was killed, utilizing 21 horses during this feat. He narrowly avoided a confrontation with an Indian war party during his mail deliveries. Beyond his Pony Express tenure, Cody served as an Army scout under General Phillip Sheridan following the Civil War, where he earned his famous nickname and built his reputation as a frontier icon.

Robert Haslam

Robert "Pony Bob" Haslam was one of the most celebrated and intrepid riders of the Pony Express. Born in London in 1840, he emigrated to America as a teenager and was recruited by Bolivar Roberts to assist in station construction. Haslam was tasked with the 75-mile mail route from Friday's Station at Lake Tahoe to Buckland's Station near Fort Churchill. In 1860, despite being wounded and facing threats from Native American tribes, he made a record-breaking 120-mile ride in 8 hours and 20 minutes while transporting Lincoln's inaugural address. When his relief rider refused to proceed due to danger, Haslam rode an astonishing 190 miles nonstop to Smith's Creek, then returned westward only to discover Cold Springs had been attacked by Indians who killed the station keeper. During this journey, he suffered an arrow wound through his jaw but still completed a 380-mile round trip—the longest documented ride.

After the Civil War, Haslam worked for Wells Fargo and served as a scout for the U.S. Army well into his fifties. He also accompanied Buffalo Bill on a diplomatic mission aimed at securing Chief Sitting Bull’s surrender in 1890. Despite his notable service, Haslam died impoverished in Chicago in 1912; Buffalo Bill personally paid for his grave marker at Mount Greenwood Cemetery.

Jack Keetley

At age 19, Jack Keetley was employed by A. E. Lewis for his division and rode throughout the entire 19-month duration of the Pony Express. His longest continuous ride spanned approximately in 31 hours without pause, concluding at Seneca where he was found asleep while still mounted on his horse. After the Pony Express ceased operations, Keetley relocated to Salt Lake City and pursued a career in mining until his death in 1912.

In a letter dated 1907, Keetley recounted his experience, claiming he completed the longest nonstop ride of roughly 300 miles within a 24-hour period, as verified by division superintendent A.E. Lewis.

Billy Tate

Billy Tate was a young Pony Express rider aged just 14 who operated in Nevada’s Ruby Valley region. He was killed during the Paiute uprising of 1860 after a gunfight that resulted in seven Paiute attackers being killed. His body was discovered pierced with arrows but notably not scalped, indicating the Paiutes held him in some respect.

Major Howard Egan

Major Howard Egan, an Irish immigrant and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, migrated westward with the pioneer group that arrived in Salt Lake City in 1847. At the inception of the Pony Express, he served as Superintendent for the Salt Lake City to Robert’s Creek division (now part of Nevada) and occasionally took on riding duties when necessary. Following the closure of the Pony Express, Egan became involved in ranching and participated actively within Utah’s judicial system.

Horses

At the western terminus of the Pony Express route in California, W.W. Finney secured a supply of 100 "California horses," while A.B. Miller obtained 200 local ponies near the Great Salt Lake Valley. Riders routinely swapped mounts every , ensuring they maintained a swift pace by using fresh horses.

Throughout an stretch, riders typically changed horses between 8 and 10 times, traveling at a brisk canter averaging , with occasional bursts at a gallop reaching . The horses were procured from regions including Missouri, Iowa, California, and various western territories.

On the eastern segments of the route, Morgan and thoroughbred breeds were predominantly used, whereas Mustangs were preferred for the more challenging western terrain.

Saddle

Prior to the Pony Express's inception in 1844, Israel Landis established a saddle and harness shop in St. Joseph. As the town expanded, Landis became a principal provider of lightweight saddles tailored specifically for Pony Express riders. These saddles reduced weight by minimizing the use of leather and metal or wooden components, resembling Western stock saddles but optimized for speed and practicality.

A notable innovation was the mochila, a leather cover placed over the saddle to securely carry mail. Unlike traditional bulky mail bags that slowed horse changes, the mochila facilitated rapid exchanges between horses. It featured openings for the saddle horn and cantle and incorporated four attached cantinas, which were rigid leather pouches designed to protect letters during transit.

Closing

During its short-lived operation, the Pony Express delivered approximately 35,000 letters along the St. Joseph to Sacramento route. While it proved the feasibility of a central/northern mail corridor, Russell, Majors, and Waddell failed to win the official mail contract, which was awarded to Jeremy Dehut in March 1861. Dehut had assumed control of the southern Butterfield Overland Mail Stage Line, favored by Congress. Subsequently, "Stagecoach King" Ben Holladay purchased the Russell, Majors, and Waddell stations to support his stagecoach network.

The onset of the American Civil War soon after led to the suspension of stage line operations. From March 1861 onward, the Pony Express service was limited to running between Salt Lake City and Sacramento until it ceased entirely on October 26, 1861—just two days following completion of the transcontinental telegraph connecting Omaha and Sacramento. Additional telegraph connections linking cities on both coasts were soon established.

Despite government subsidies, the Pony Express was financially unsuccessful, earning $90,000 but incurring losses totaling $200,000. In 1866 after the war’s conclusion, Holladay sold his holdings along with remnants of the Butterfield Stage Line to Wells Fargo for $1.5 million.

Postage stamps

In 1869, the U.S. Post Office released its first stamp commemorating a historic event—the Pony Express—paying tribute to its riders and service. Before this issue, U.S. stamps featured only portraits of prominent individuals such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The "Pony Express Stamp," issued eight years after the service ended, is often mistakenly believed to be an original stamp used by the company itself. Additional commemorative stamps marking the service’s 80th and 100th anniversaries were issued in 1940 and 1960 respectively.

Historical research

The documented history of the Pony Express relies on scarce archives, correspondence, and postal records. Prior to the 1950s, much of what was known stemmed from oral traditions and unconfirmed narratives about the service’s originators, riders, and relay stations.

Among the principal references are The Story of the Pony Express by Raymond and Mary Settle and Roy Bloss's Saddles and Spurs. Settle’s investigation notably drew upon the personal papers of founder William B. Waddell housed at the Huntington Library. Although many of his extensive notes were excluded from the final publication due to budget constraints, Settle’s work continues to serve as a cornerstone resource for historians studying the Pony Express.

National Historic Trail

Established by legislative action on August 3, 1992, the Pony Express National Historic Trail extends across eight states, traversing territories managed by the Bureau of Land Management in California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

This trail accommodates various activities including driving tours, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, while providing access to interpretive centers and museums. Prominent public locations along the route include Nevada’s Sand Mountain Recreation Area; Utah’s Boyd Station and Simpson Springs Campground; as well as Wyoming’s Little Sandy Crossing. Visitors may explore roughly 120 historic sites along the trail, which feature about 50 remnants of original stations.

The nonprofit organization National Pony Express Association plays a vital role in safeguarding the trail’s heritage through collaboration with the National Park Service, Pony Express Trail Association, and Oregon-California Trails Association.

Additional commemorations

Between 1866 and 1889, Wells Fargo adopted the Pony Express emblem for its stagecoach, freight, and armored-car security operations. Successor security firms continued to utilize this logo into the 1990s. However, following the sale of the security division in 2001, the Pony Express emblem was discontinued in that sector.

In June 2006, the United States Postal Service secured trademarks for both "Pony Express" and "Air Mail."

The 150th anniversary of the Pony Express was observed on April 3, 2010. Commemorative activities were held at the Patee House Museum located in St. Joseph, Missouri, which served as the original headquarters of the service.

On April 14, 2015, Google honored the 155th anniversary of the Pony Express by featuring an interactive doodle game.

In popular culture

The lasting fame of the Pony Express is closely tied to Buffalo Bill Cody, his autobiographical writings, and his Wild West Show. Although the first dedicated publication about the Pony Express appeared in 1900, Cody asserted in his 1879 autobiography that he had served as an Express rider. While this assertion remains debated, his show played a major role in preserving and popularizing the Pony Express legend.

Film

The Pony Express (1925)
Winds of the Wasteland (1936)
Frontier Pony Express (1939)
Pony Express Days (short) (1940)
Pony Post (1940)
Saddle Silly (1941)
Plainsman and the Lady (1946)
Pony Express (1953)
Last of the Pony Riders (1953)
The Pony Express Rider (1976)
Pony Express Rider (1996)
Spirit of the Pony Express (2012)

Television

The Range Rider (1951–1953), season one episode "The Last of the Pony Express"
Crossroad Avenger (1953)
Pony Express (1959–1960)
Bonanza (1959–1973), season seven two-part episode "Ride the Wind"
The Young Riders (1989–1992)
Into the West (2005)
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls (2013)
Legends of the Pony Express (2024)

Comic books

Lucky Luke: The Pony Express (1988)

Video Games

The space-themed horror title Mouthwashing features an interstellar mail delivery enterprise modeled on the Pony Express. Depicted as a soulless corporation and representing humanity's final piloted delivery service, it dispatches its last crew on a year-long mission prior to bankruptcy.

Bibliography

Angel, Myron, editor. History of Nevada. Oakland, California: Thompson and West, 1881.
Beasley, Delilah Leontium. The Negro Trail Blazers of California. Times Mirror Printing and Binding House, 1919.
Bradley, Glenn Danford. The Story of the Pony Express. A. C. McClurg & Co., 1913.
Chapman, Arthur. The Pony Express: The Record of a Romantic Adventure in Business. G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1971.
Cody, William F., and William Lightfoot Visscher. Life and Adventures of 'Buffalo Bill' Colonel William F. Cody. Stanton and Van Vliet, 1917.
Corbett, Christopher. Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express. Broadway Books, 2003.
Egan, Ferol. The Pony Express: The Record of a Romantic Adventure in Business. University of Nevada Press, 1972.
Frajola, Richard C., George J. Kramer, and Steven C. Walske. The Pony Express, A Postal History. The Philatelic Foundation, 2005.
Godfrey, Anthony. Pony Express National Historic Trail Historic Resource Study. National Park Service, 1994.
Majors, Alexander, and William Cody. The Pony Express: Bringing Mail to the American West. The Western Miner and Financier, 1873.
McNesse, Tim. The Pony Express: Bringing Mail to the American West. Infobase Publishing, 2009.
Michno, Gregory. The Deadliest Indian War in the West: The Snake Conflict, 1864–1868. Caxton Press, 2007.
Peters, Arthur K. Seven Trails West. Abbeville Press, 1996.
Reinfeld, Fred. Pony Express. Macmillan / Bison Books, 1973.
Root, George A., and Russell K. Hickman. "Part IV-The Platte Route-Concluded. The Pony Express and Pacific Telegraph." Kansas Historical Quarterly 14(1):36–92 (February 1946).
Settle, Raymond and Mary Settle. Empire on Wheels. Stanford University Press, 1949.
Settle, Raymond and Mary Settle. Saddles and Spurs: The Pony Express Saga. Stackpole / Bison Books editions (1955; 1972).
Thompson, Don (Associated Press). "Historian finds Pony Express ad." U-T San Diego, March 20, 2005.

External links

Spirit of the Pony Express (Documentary)
Pony Express National Historic Trail (National Park Service)
Pony Express National Historic Trail (Bureau of Land Management)
Waddell F. Smith Papers Inventory, 1939–1976 (Online Archive of California)
The True Identity of Billy Richardson, Pony Express Rider by Ernie and Elaine Hartnagle
Hollenberg Pony Express Station
The Authentic Story of Billy Tate, Pony Express Rider
Discover the Pony Express National Historic Trail