| California (Alameda County), Oakland — Pony Express Ferry "Oakland" |
| | Dedicated April 23, 1999
Jack London Square
By Port of Oakland, William Campbell Family, Dreyers Grand Ice Cream, Alameda/Oakland Ferry Service, Waterfront Plaza Hotel & Jacks, Sportsman's Hall - Pollock Pines Pony Express Home Station, Pony Express Trail Association
Sponsors: Walter R. Harmon • Miller Packing Company • Dealey, Renton and Associates • Piedmont Grocery Company • Employees of Scotts Seafood • Oakland Association of Realtors • Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of . . . — Map (db m19017) |
| California (Alpine County), Woodfords — The Pony Express - Woodfords |
| | During the initial five weeks of its operation in 1860, an important remount station of the famous Pony Express was located a few feet from here at Cary’s Barn.
This monument erected by the Historical Society of Alpine County.
National Pony Express Centennial Association;
Dwight D. Eisenhower—Chairman,
Waddell R. Smith—President,
Sherrill Halbert—Director at Large. — Map (db m612) |
| California (Alpine County), Woodfords — Woodfords Station |
| | Historic Woodfords Station, the Eastern Sierra gateway to the goldfields of California, way station of the famed Pony Express, and entrance to Carson Pass on the Emigrant Trail to the Sacramento Valley. Beginning in 1849 with the building of the “Sign of the Elephant” hotel by Daniel Woodsfords, it was the first settlement in what is today Alpine County. In 1854 Willis P. Merrill opened a trading post in the area and later a hotel and store.
Dedicated in truth, liberty and . . . — Map (db m611) |
| California (Contra Costa County), Lafayette — Dedicated to the Pony Express |
| | In 1860-1861 Pony Express riders stopped in Lafayette 19 times to change horses en route to San Francisco from St. Joseph, Missouri
Lafayette Historical Society
1992 — Map (db m24461) |
| California (Contra Costa County), Martinez — Martinez-Benicia Ferry — "Gateway to the Gold Fields" |
| | Founded by Dr. Robert Semple in 1847, the Martinez-Benicia ferry was the first established and longest operating ferry service in the S.F. Bay Area. In 1850 Oliver Coffin took over the operation and with his brothers purchased a new ferryboat, the "Carquinez", and built the Ferry Street Wharf, once located 100 feet west of this spot. The Pony Express, on one of its trips to San Francisco, first set foot in Contra Costa County on April 23, 1860, after an early morning ferry trip from Benicia. . . . — Map (db m24627) |
| California (Contra Costa County), Martinez — Morgan House |
| |
Dedicated April 23, 2000
Morgan House
Pony Express Route
Apr. 23, 1860 - Sep. 8, 1861
Home Station
Apr. 16, 1869 - Sep.8, 1861
By
James Stretesky
Supervisor Gayle B. Uilkema
Martinez Area Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Trail Association
{Text on the reverse side reads:}
The first Pony Express Rider through Martinez was Thomas Bedford on April 23, 1860, heading for Pacheco. Benecia was the home station where the rider from Sacramento exchanged the mail with a new . . . — Map (db m24369) |
| California (El Dorado County), Diamond Springs — 487 — Diamond Springs |
| | This town, settled in 1848, derived its name from its crystal clear springs. Among the richest in this vicinity its diggings produced a 25 pound nugget, one of the largest in El Dorado County. Its most thriving period was in 1851. Later it became a contender for the county seat. Through its lumber, lime production, and agriculture, Diamond Springs retained some of its early importance. — Map (db m10936) |
| California (El Dorado County), El Dorado — 700 — El Dorado (Mud Springs) |
| | Trading post, emigrant stop, and mining camp of the 1850’s. This became one of the remount stations of the Central Overland Pony Express. Here at the Nevada House on April 13, 1860, pony rider William (Sam) Hamilton changed horses while carrying the first west-bound mail of the Pony Express from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. — Map (db m11571) |
| California (El Dorado County), El Dorado Hills — 699 — Mormon Tavern — Overland Pony Express Route - California |
| | At this site on the old Clarksville-White Rock Emigrant Road was Mormon Tavern. Constructed in 1849, this popular stage stop was enlarged and operated by Franklin Winchell in 1851. It became a remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express and on April 4, 1860, pony rider Sam (Bill) Hamilton changed horses here on the first eastbound trip. — Map (db m12056) |
| California (El Dorado County), Kyburz — 705 — Moore’s (Riverton) |
| | This was the site of a change station of the Pioneer Stage Company in the 1850’s and 1860’s. During 1860-1861, the Central Overland Pony Express maintained here the first pony remount station east of Sportsman’s Hall. — Map (db m14166) |
| California (El Dorado County), Kyburz — 706 — Webster’s — (Sugar Loaf House) |
| | This was the site of Webster's Sugar Loaf House, well-known stopping place during the Comstock rush. Beginning in April 1860, it was used as a remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express. In 1861 it became a horse change station for pioneer stage companies and the Overland Mail. — Map (db m14177) |
| California (El Dorado County), Meyers — John (Snowshoe) Thompson |
| | Send me men to match my mountains.
These are words a great poet said speaking for the brave young nation that needed strong and brave men’s aid.
In memory of
John (Snowshoe) Thompson
who, for twenty successive winters, 1856-1876, carried the mail on skis, over the Sierra Nevada Mountains from Placerville California to Carson City Nevada. Born 1827 in Telemark, Norway, he came to California in 1851. Died 1876 at the age of 49, and was buried in Diamond Valley, Nevada. — Map (db m434) |
| California (El Dorado County), Meyers — Yank’s Added Station |
| | (back) The Hawley Grade from April 3, 1860 to November 17, 1860 was used by the Pony Express. On November 18, 1860 the new toll road down Johnson Pass (Echo Summit), today’s Old Meyers Grade, was opened to horse traffic and was now used by the Pony Express. It was built by David Demmen Kingsbury and John McDonald. This new route was opened to wagons on February 5, 1861.
At the foot of the new grade was the Osgood Toll House run by Neamiah “Nemi” Osgood.
The former . . . — Map (db m435) |
| California (El Dorado County), Meyers — 708 — Yank’s Station |
| | This was the site of the most eastern remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express in California. Established as a trading post in 1851 by Martin Smith, it became a popular hostelry and stage-stop operated by Ephraim “Yank” Clement on the Placerville-Carson Road. Pony Rider Warren Upson first arrived here on the evening of April 28, 1860. Changing ponies he galloped on to Friday’s in Nevada to deliver his mochila to Bob Haslam for the ride to Genoa. Used as a pony remount . . . — Map (db m433) |
| California (El Dorado County), Placerville — 701 — Placerville Pony Express — Station and Terminus |
| | Gold Rush town and Western Terminus of the Placerville –Carson Road to the Comstock. Placerville was a relay station of the Central Overland Pony Express, April 4, 1860 – June 30, 1861. Here on April 4, 1860 the first east-bound pony rider, William (Sam) Hamilton changed horses, added one express letter to his machila, and sped away for Sportsman’s Hall. On July 1, 1861, Placerville became the Western Terminus of the Pony Express, until its discontinuous on October 26, 1861. — Map (db m12743) |
| California (El Dorado County), Pollack Pines — The Pony Express - Sportsman’s Hall |
| | California’s only Home Station where riders changed on the Pony Express trail. Here, at 8:01 A.M. on April 4, 1860, Sam Hamilton, first eastbound rider, was relieved by Warren Upson who carried the initial mail over the then storm swept Sierras.
Sacramento — Friday’s — Salt Lake City — Ft. Laramie — Julesburg — Ft. Kearny — Marysville — St. Joseph. — Map (db m613) |
| California (El Dorado County), Pollock Pines — 704 — Sportsman’s Hall |
| | This was the site of Sportsman’s Hall, also known as Twelve-Mile House. The hotel operated in the late 1850’s and 1860’s by John and James Blair, a stopping place for stages and teams of the comstock. It became a relay station of the Central Overland Pony Express. Here, at 7:40 A.M., April 4, 1860, Pony Rider William (Sam) Hamilton, riding in from Placerville, handed the express mail to Warren Upson, who, two minutes later, sped on his way eastward.
California Registered Historical . . . — Map (db m609) |
| California (El Dorado County), Skinners — 703 — Pleasant Grove House |
| | This was the site of a popular roadhouse, where the ponies of the Central Overland Pony Express were changed during July 1, 1860 to June 30, 1861. From here the route of the pony riders continued westward to Folsom and eastward through Rescue, Dry Creek Crossing, and Missouri Flat to Placerville. — Map (db m10442) |
| California (El Dorado County), Strawberry — 707 — Strawberry Valley House |
| | This popular resort and stopping place for stages and teams of the Comstock, established by Swift and Watson in 1856, became a remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express on April 4, 1860. Here on that date division superintendent Bolivar Roberts waited with a string of mules to help pony rider Warren Upson through the snowstorm on Echo Summit.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 707 — Map (db m436) |
| California (Sacramento County), Folsom — 702 — Folsom Pony Express Terminus |
| | Gold Rush and Railroad town Folsom became the Western Terminus of the Central Overland Pony Express on July 1, 1860. The express mail had been run by pony to and from Sacramento. Beginning on July 1, 1860, the
Sacramento Valley Railroad carried it between Sacramento and Folsom until Placerville was made the Terminus during July 1 - October 26, 1861. — Map (db m5090) |
| California (Sacramento County), Rancho Cordova — American River Grange #172 |
| |
Organized March 1874
Dedicated October 1882
Presented by Native Daughters of the Golden West
San Juan Parol #315
Rededicated 5-15-98 — Map (db m2033) |
| California (Sacramento County), Rancho Cordova — 698 — Fifteen Mile House |
| | Owned and operated from 1857 as a stage station by Henry F. W. Deterding. This was the site of the second remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express during March-July 1860. Here on April 4, 1860, Sam (Bill) Hamiton with the first eastward mail of the Pony Express changed ponies with Morman Tavern as his next stop.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 698
Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento County Historical . . . — Map (db m2034) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — 606 — B.F. Hastings Bank Building — Western Terminus of the Pony Express |
| | This structure, erected in 1852-53, was occupied during the 1850’s by the B.F. Hastings Bank, Wells Fargo and Co., Various state officials, Sacramento Valley Railroad, and the Alta Telegraph Co. during April 1860-May 1861. The Alta Telegraph Co. and its successor, The California State Telegraph Co. were the agents here for the Central Overland Pony Express, owned and operated by the firm of Russell, Majors and Waddell. From this historic site the first Overland journey eastward of the Pony Express was begun on April 4, 1860. — Map (db m11388) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — 526 — California’s First Passenger Railroad |
| | The Sacramento Valley Railroad running from Sacramento to Folsom, was begun at this site on February 12, 1855. Here, at Third and R Streets, was located the Sacramento passenger terminal. The turntable and freight depot were at Third and Front Streets. Completion of the railroad was celebrated at Folsom on February 22, 1856. — Map (db m16056) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — 697 — Five Mile Station |
| | Departing at 2:45 A.M. from the Alta Telegraph Co. in Sacramento, Pony Rider Sam (Bill) Hamilton carried the first mail eastward of the Central Overland Pony Express on April 4, 1860. Here quickly changing ponies he sped on to the next stop at Fifteen Mile Station.
California Registered
Historical Landmark No. 697
Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento Historic Landmarks Commission, Sacramento County Historical Society, and the . . . — Map (db m19583) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — 812 — Old Sacramento |
| | Founded in December 1848 by John A. Sutter, Jr., Sacramento was an outgrowth of Sutter’s Fort established by his father, Captain John A. Sutter, in 1839. State Capital since 1854, it was a major distribution point during the Gold Rush. A commercial and agricultural center, and terminus for wagon train, stagecoach, riverboat, telegraph, Pony Express, and the first Transcontinental Railroad. — Map (db m11486) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope” |
| | [Front of Marker]
Dedicated April 13, 2000
SACRAMENTO
by
James Stretesky
George E. Kuchler Family
Rotary Club of Sacramento
Burnett & Sons Planing Mill and Lumber Co – Since 1869
Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society
Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Trail Association
[Sponsors are listed on bottom of base.]
[Back of Marker]
The Pony Express mail was carried by river steamers of the “California Steam Navigation . . . — Map (db m15702) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — St. George Hotel |
| | [Front of Marker]
ST.GEORGE HOTEL
Dedicated March 19, 2005
SACRAMENTO
By
James Streetsky
First Northern Bank
The Firehouse Restaurant
Rotary Club of Sacramento
Burnett & Sons Planing Mill
and Lumber Co. – Since 1869
Sacramento Metropolitan
Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Trail Association
[A list of donors is on the bottom of the base.]
[Back of Marker]
The St. George Hotel was on this corner with the main entrance on Fourth . . . — Map (db m14810) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — The Pony Express |
| | This statue commemorates the glory of The Pony Express, which started here at 2:46a.m. on April 4,1860, when Sam Hamilton galloped into a blinding rainstorm on the first lap of the 1,966 mile trip to St. Joseph, Missouri. During its 18-month existence, its riders and 500 ponies carried 35,000 pieces of mail with the loss of but one pouch. This venture, founded by Russell, Majors and Waddell, ended California’s isolation from the rest of the Union.
This memorial was made possible by a gift . . . — Map (db m11326) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — The Pony Express — Russell, Majors, Waddell — Founders, Owners, Operators |
| | 1861 ** 1961
120 celebrated riders rode 650,000 miles with only one rider killed by Indians, one schedule not completed and one mail pouch lost. — Map (db m11348) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Dedicated to the Memory of Pony Express Riders — 1860 The Knights of the Saddle 1861 |
| | William Hamilton, the first Pony Express rider to reach Benicia on the final relay. Carrying the mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to California. Arrived in this city April 23, 1860, at 7 a.m. Thomas J. Bedford, a young Benician, took the mochila by ferry across Carquinez Straits to San Francisco via Martinez and Oakland. — Map (db m16325) |
| California (Solano County), Benicia — Pony Express Ferry “Carquinez” |
| | [Front of Marker:]
Dedicated April 23, 2000
by
James Stretesky
Benicia Historical Society
Benicia (N.S.G.W.) Native Sons
Richard & Veronica Tipton
Benicia Camel Barn Museum
Exxon Mobile, Benicia Refinery
Benicia Chamber of Commerce
Benicia Volunteer Fire Department
Pony Express Trail Association
[A list of sponsors is on bottom of base]
[Back of marker:]
Captain Oliver C. Coffin and his brothers purchased the ferry “Carquinez” from an eastern . . . — Map (db m16327) |
| California (Solano County), Rio Vista — Pony Express River Streamer “NEW WORLD” |
| | [Front of Marker]
Dedicated April 3, 1997
RIO VISTA
by
James Stretesky
The Dutra Group
Barrier Systems, Inc.
Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Trail Association
Sponsors are listed on bottom of base
[Back of Marker]
In 1860 – 1861 Rio Vista was located 17 miles north of here. The Pony Express Mail was usually carried both ways between the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento via steamboat slough by the California Steam Navigation . . . — Map (db m18276) |
| California (Solano County), Vacaville — Gillespie’s Store |
| |
[Front of Marker:]
IN SEARCH OF THE PONY EXPRESS
STATION MARKER
Dedicated April 23, 1997
GILLESPIE’S STORE
Added Station
Apr 23, 1860 – Sep 8, 1861
by
Dave & Buff Fleming
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Trail Association
[A list of donors is on bottom of base.
[Back of marker:]
Gillespie’s Store stood at this spot. This was also a Wells, Fargo & Co. Office. E. F. Gillespie was their first agent . . . — Map (db m16833) |
| California (Yolo County), West Sacramento — Pony Express Bridge |
| | [Front of Marker:]
Dedicated April 23, 2000
WEST SACRAMENTO
by
James Stretesky
First Northern Bank
Daniel F. Ramos Family
Frank C. Ramos Family
Dr. & Mrs. James O. Farley
West Sacramento Land Company
West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Trail Association
[A list of sponsors is on bottom of base]
[Back of Marker:]
The first bridge to span the Sacramento River was built by the Sacramento and Yolo Bridge Company. It was a wooden spring span . . . — Map (db m15708) |
| Missouri (Buchanan County), Saint Joseph — Saint Joseph |
| | (Front): Renowned city of the Pony Express, St. Joseph was first settled as a trading post for the American Fur Company by Joseph Robidoux, 1826. Later he acquired the site and laid out a town in 1843. St. Joseph became an outfitting point for settlers in
northwest Missouri and travelers on the Oregon-California trail. It was also a supply base for army posts and western gold mining camps. Here was the terminus of the first railroad to cross Missouri, the Hannibal and St. Joseph in . . . — Map (db m4989) |
| Nevada (Carson City County), Carson City — Carson City — Original Station — Apr. 3, 1860 - Nov. 20, 1861 |
| | [Front of Marker:]
Dedicated April 12, 1996
Carson City
Original Station
Apr. 3, 1860 - Nov. 20, 1861
by
Byron L. & Peggy Clark & Family
Bob & Tina McFadden
Mae & Jim Thorpe
The Bike Smith
Betty Young & Erica Young
Pony Express Trail Association
[Sponsors:]
Joseph L. Schroeder ∙
Bud & Gayle Klette ∙
Laughlin Associates, Inc ∙
Capitol Ford Mercuty ∙
Nevada Commission on Tourism ∙
Dean G. Barnett & Betsey . . . — Map (db m23038) |
| Nevada (Douglas County), Gardnerville — 117 — Kingsbury Grade |
| | Dagget Pass Trail, named for C.D. Dagget, who acquired land at its foot in 1854, was earlier called Georgetown Trail. Replaced in 1860 by the wagon road built by Kingsbury and McDonald, for which they received a Territorial Franchise in 1861, it shortened the distance between Sacramento and Virginia City by 15 miles.
The road cost $585,000. Toll receipts were $190,000 in 1863. Heavy eastward travel occurred in 1860 to 1868. The toll for a wagon and four horses was $17.50 round trip from . . . — Map (db m21892) |
| Nevada (Douglas County), Genoa — Genoa — In Search of the Pony Express — Station Marker |
| |
[Front of Marker:]
Genoa
Original Home Station
April 3, 1860 – Aug. 30, 1860
Relay Station
Sep. 1, 1860 – Nov. 20, 1861
By
Town of Genoa
Genoa Volunteer Fire Department
Carson Valley Historical Society
Pony Express Trail Association
[Back of Marker:]
Mandlebaum & Klauber’s Store was located at this site. They were agents for the Pony Express Route and Wells, Fargo & Co.
The original Pony Express Route from April 3, 1860 to May 13, . . . — Map (db m20663) |
| Nevada (Douglas County), Genoa — Genoa or “Mormon Station” of the Pony Express |
| |
Near this spot stood the
Genoa or “Mormon Station”
of the Pony Express
1860 – 1861
St. Joseph, Missouri
To Sacramento, California.
_________
Dedicated June 9, 1934
By Citizens of Nevada.
Under Leadership Minden Rotary Club — Map (db m20668) |
| Nevada (Douglas County), Genoa — The Pony Express — 1860 - 1960 ** 1861 - 1961 |
| |
These plaques are near the site
of the original Pony Express Station.
The Pony Express passed through
Genoa, the oldest city in Nevada, until
the completion of the telegraph.
Erected by the Nevada Pony
Express Centennial Committee.
National Pony Express Centennial Association
Dwight D. Eisenhower – Chairman Waddell F. Smith – President — Map (db m20711) |
| Nevada (Douglas County), Glenbrook — Friday’s Added Station |
| | (back) The Pony Express Started on April 3, 1860. The original route from Johnson Pass (Echo Summit) to Genoa went through Hope Valley to Woodfords Station.
On May 14, 1860 the new toll road over Daggett Pass opened to foot and horse traffic and was no used by the Pony Express through Lake Valley. Known as the Kingsbury Grade and built by David Kingsbury and John McDonald it was opened to wagon traffic on August 14, 1860.
A new station was needed and “Friday’s” . . . — Map (db m432) |
| Nevada (Elko County), Elko — 108 — Ruby Valley Pony Express Station |
| | (Reconstructed) The original location—60 miles south.
April 1860 - October 1861. — Map (db m1523) |
| Nevada (Lander County), Austin — The Pony Express |
| | The Pony Express Trail passed four miles north of Austin through Jacobsville, Simpson's Park and Dry Creek Station. During the Paiute Indian War the stations were burned and two station tenders at Dry Creek were killed and buried there.
Erected by the Nevada Pony Express Centennial Committee.
National Pony Express Centennial Association
Dwight D. Eisenhower--Chairman
Waddell F. Smith--President — Map (db m14607) |
| Nevada (Storey County), Virginia City — Virginia City |
| |
[Located in the center of town is a monument on which there is mounted six markers commemorating historical events and people of Virginia City]
West Side - Front of Monument:
In June of 1859 in Gold Canyon, a second group of Prospectors found the outcropping of what would become one of the richest gold and silver deposits ever found. Soon to be known as “the Richest Place on Earth” the Washoe Diggings, as it was called, became the towns of Silver City and . . . — Map (db m21565) |
| Nevada (White Pine County), Cherry Creek — 52 — Cherry Creek |
| | Here, at one time, was the largest town in White Pine County. Part of the Cherry Creek Mining District, Cherry Creek’s years of largest gold and silver production were between 1872 and 1883. At the peak of its prosperity, the town had an estimated population of 6,000.
Five miles south of here is Egan Canyon, where one of the oldest gold mines in Nevada was located. A stage station was located by Major Howard Egan in 1859 for Woodward & Chorpenning’s California Mail Co. In 1860, it was used . . . — Map (db m1370) |
| Nevada (White Pine County), Ely — 51 — Schellbourne |
| | Schellbourne, in the foothills of the Schell Creek Range, was a Shoshone village site long before it began its recent historic career in 1859. Captain James Simpson passed through the site and this point, looking for a short route across the Great Basin. That same year an overland stage and mail station was built at Schellbourne. In 1860, the Pony Express Company used the same facilities, and when the telegraph arrived in 1863, it passed over this same route.
During the rush to Virginia . . . — Map (db m1304) |
| Utah (Salt Lake County), Salt Lake City — The Crowds Cheered On . . . |
| | In 1845, it took six months to get a message from the east coast of the United States to California—by the time it arrived, the news was old. In the late 1850s, a half million people had migration west, and they wanted up-to-date news from home. Something had to be done to deliver mail faster and to improve communication in the expanding nation.
“The Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company,” a subsidiary of Russell, Majors, and Waddell, announced the . . . — Map (db m1433) |
| Utah (Salt Lake County), Salt Lake City — The National Pony Express Monument |
| | A Moment in Time.
Running as fast as the mustang pony could run, Pony Express riders raced across nearly 1900 miles of wilderness carrying the U.S. Mail between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. With nostrils flaring, lungs gasping for air, and muscles burning every ounce of energy the pony could muster, horse and rider climbed over mountains, crossed dry deserts, and forded rivers and streams through cold of winter, heat of summer, and threat of life—setting a . . . — Map (db m1432) |
| Utah (Salt Lake County), Salt Lake City — Unsung Heroes |
| | Strategically placed relay stations across the western frontier proved to be a major contributing factor to the early success of the Pony Express mail service. “Station keeps,” assigned to of these outposts readied swift horses, fresh and rested, for each rider. Often working in pairs, day and night they kept a vigil for incoming riders.
Life at these stations covered a broad spectrum of living conditions depending upon location and situation. Home stations were generally . . . — Map (db m1434) |
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