The Pony Express was a mail service – it ran in the western part of this country with a starting point of St. Joseph, Missouri. It across the plains and over the Rocky Mountains to Sacramento, California. They used horses and a series of relay stations to travel with the mail, newspapers and other items to California and back to Missouri. It was needed when so many people flocked to California when the gold was discovered there in 1848.
The first trip of the Pony Express began on April 3, 1860. Letters were delivered in 10 days as opposed to the longer periods required by stagecoaches. The cost was $5.00 per half ounce ( $133.00 in today’s money). The riders earned $100.00 a month as pay ( $2,200.00 in today’s money) – this was when most workers made less than $1.00 a day ( $26.60 in today’s money).
There were 120 riders, 400 horses and 184 stations where fresh horses were mounted to continue the mail’s journey.
Happy Anniversary to the Pony Express yesterday.
By William Henry Jackson -in the Library of Congress
Jillian Chantal 
This time period has always fascinated me and especially the Pony Express. I’m betting at $133 a half once there wouldn’t be many packages sent back and forth by common folks. What in the world did grandmothers do?
Love your Friday Facts Jillian.
By: Lavada Dee on April 4, 2014
at 11:32 am
I agree, Lavada. Thatâs one expensive letter! And I love that time period, too. Thanks for saying you like my facts. They are fun to do.
By: Author on April 4, 2014
at 11:38 am
And we’re complaining about a 2 cents increase? Kind of puts it all in perspective, eh?
By: Laurie Ryan on April 4, 2014
at 12:30 pm
Yeah, it does Laurie. LOL
By: Author on April 4, 2014
at 12:55 pm
Back in the late 80’s or early 90’s there was a great TV show abt the Pony express. I don’t remember the name but it starred Steven Baldwin. I has such a crush in him! As always, love ur Fri Facts!
By: Casey Crow on April 4, 2014
at 12:36 pm
I know that show Casey. I loved it. Thanks for the reminder!! And thanks for the good words on the FF.
By: Author on April 4, 2014
at 12:55 pm