Old Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Pony Express
This statue commemorates the glory of The Pony Express, which started here at 2:45 a.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 from the estate of Sophia Pleasants Comstock, funds from the City and County of Sacramento, the State Park System, and the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of California and contributions from a host of private donors. It was dedicated on June 4, 1976, by the Sophie Comstock Memorial Committee, Mrs. Anthony J. Kennedy, Chairman.
Erected 1976 by Sophie Pleasants Comstock, the City and County of Sacramento, the State Park System, and the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of California and various private donors (June 4, 1976).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Settlements & Settlers . In addition, it is included in the Pony Express National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1834.
Location. 38° 34.994′ N, 121° 30.235′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Old Sacramento. Marker is at the intersection of 2nd Street and J Street, on the left when traveling south on 2nd Street. Marker is located within The Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sacramento CA 95814, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. B.F. Hastings Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Sacramento (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); Vernon-Brannan House (within shouting distance of this marker); New England Seed Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Professor L.A. Lauriet's Assay Office (about 300 feet away); Eagle Theatre (about 400 feet away); Booth Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.
Also see . . .
1. The Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco Founding of the Pony Express. (Submitted on September 10, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Pony Express Home Station History of the Pony Express. (Submitted on September 10, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
3. California State Parks Pony Express Statue. (Submitted on September 10, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,066 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 10, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on December 21, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7, 8. submitted on July 7, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 9. submitted on September 10, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 10. submitted on July 7, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.