Old Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope”

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009

1. Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope”

Inscription.

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.]

Reverse:
The Pony Express mail was carried by river steamers of the “California Steam Navigation Company” between Sacramento and San Francisco for 19 months from April 3, 1860 to November 20, 1861. The streamers used were the “Antelope,” “New World,” “Eclipse,” “Queen City,” and “Chrysopolis”.

The first eastbound Pony Express mail arrived here on April 4, 1860. The first westbound mail left here on the “Antelope” April 13, 1860. The river streamers arrived and departed here at the foot of “K” Street.

These steamers left at 2:00 p.m. with the mail for San Francisco everyday but did not operate on Sunday. There were 20 Pony Express trips overland by horseback to San Francisco. This was

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due to the mail arriving after 2:00 p.m. or on Sunday.
2000 Joe Nardone

Sponsors are listed on bottom of base.

Erected 2000.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pony Express National Historic Trail, and the Rotary International series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 13, 1870.

Location. 38° 34.946′ N, 121° 30.377′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Old Sacramento. It can be reached from Front Street. Marker is located at the walkway (crossing the railroad tracks) to the boardwalk at the Western end of K Street in Old Sacramento. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sacramento CA 95814, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Sacramento Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mile Marker 0 (a few steps from this marker); Lady Adams Building (about 300 feet away); Booth Building (about 400 feet away); Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum (about 500 feet away); Vernon-Brannan House (about 500 feet away); Sacramento Engine Company No. 3 (about 500 feet away); Sacramento's Early Waterfront (about 500 feet away); Eagle Theatre (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

Other

Back of Marker - Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope” image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009

2. Back of Marker - Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope”

markers no longer nearby. Freight on the Move (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site (was a few steps from this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Sacramento River Waterfront (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Pioneer Park (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Follow the first Eastbound journey of the Pony Express through California to Genoa, Nevada....To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . . Treasure Ship of the Sacramento. The Contra Costa County Historical Society's history of the Antelope, by William Mero, detailing this 550-foot long side-wheeler's colorful history - how she carried millions in gold bullion, her role in the Pony express, how she rescued wounded passengers from the boiler explosion on the Washoe in 1864, her race with the steamer Sacramento, and her end years as a ferry between San Francisco

via Contra Costa County Historical Society, unknown

3. Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope”

and Tiburon, until finally being dismantled in 1888. (Submitted on March 29, 2009.)

Wide View of Front - Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope” image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009

4. Wide View of Front - Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope”

Wide View of Back - Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope” image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009

5. Wide View of Back - Pony Express River Steamer “Antelope”

Close-Up of Artwork on Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009

6. Close-Up of Artwork on Marker

California Steam Navigation Co, Sign at Old Sacramento image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 11, 2009

7. California Steam Navigation Co, Sign at Old Sacramento

California
Steam Navigation Co's.
Steamers
for
San Francisco

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,450 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 28, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on December 4, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 28, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on February 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.