Learn About The Pony Express
This replica Pony Express station (built by the National Pony Express Association, Utah Division) was used as a demonstration exhibit during the 2002 Winter Olympics hosted by Salt Lake City. Learn about the day-to-day life of a station keeper here.
This heroic monument captures artist Avard Fairbanks' mastery of anatomy, action, balance, and rhythm. It honors the courage and endurance of the young Pony Express riders as well as the unsung heroes-the station keepers.
Western Mounted Mail Carrier by Lloyd Branson, Courtesy National Postal Museum
National Pony Express Association riders greet visitors at the replica station
Salt Lake House Courtesy Utah State Historical Society.
Pony Express Monument and Station Trail
When we started out we were never to turn back, no matter what happened, until the mail was delivered at the next home station. We had to be ready to start back at a half-minute's notice, let it be day or night, rain or shine.
-Pony Express rider Elijah Nicholas Wilson, 1919
White Indian Boy: My Life Among the Shoshones
The Pony Express
The Pony Express has fascinated Americans since
its first riders hit leather in April 1860, heading
west from St. Joseph, Missouri, and east from San
Francisco, California. This innovative overland
mail service lasted only 18 months, but it created an
immediate sensation and won a permanent place in
the history of the American West.
The legend of “The Pony," as it was affectionately known, may overshadow its brief history, but the bold founders and brave riders of the Pony Express helped spread important news and bind a nation being torn apart by civil war.
Explore & Learn More
Follow the paved pathway to several exhibits and
features to learn more about the Pony Express
National Historic Trail. Pony Express riders passed
near this location as they carried mail west to
Sacramento, California and back east to St. Joseph,
Missouri in 1860 and 1861.
Look for a granite marker, a bronze sculpture by Avard Fairbanks, and a replica Pony Express station cabin.
this page online
The Trail Came Here
The rider and mail left St. Joseph , Missouri and
followed the Platte and Sweetwater rivers to South
Pass, Wyoming and over the continental divide to Salt
Lake City, Utah. From here he rode across the Utah
and Nevada deserts, up and over the Sierra Nevada
into California, as fast as man and horse could go
day and night for 10 days or less.
The Pony Express rider came through Emigration
Canyon, behind you, and continued to the Salt Lake
House downtown on Main Street.
Erected by National Pony Express Association, Utah Division; National Park Service; This Is The Place Heritage Park.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Pony Express National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1860.
Location. 40° 45.132′ N, 111° 49.155′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in University. Marker can be reached from Sunnyside Avenue South. Monument is located on the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2601 East Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City UT 84108, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Answering the Call (a few steps from this marker); In Ten Days or Less...
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 323 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 29, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide area view of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
