Fairbury in Jefferson County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Jefferson County Pony Express Stations

The Pony Express

— 1860:1861 • 1960:1961 —

Jefferson County Pony Express Stations Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2021

1. Jefferson County Pony Express Stations Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

These were the four Pony Express Stations in Jefferson County.

Big Sandy Station • Whiskey Run • Rock Creek Station • Otoe Station

Rock Creek Station was the site where Wild Bill Hickok shot and killed David McCanles, July 12, 1861.

Russell, Majors and Waddell operated a daily stage through these stations to Denver and Salt Lake City.

Erected by the Jefferson County Historical Association.

National Pony Express Centennial Association
Dwight D. Eisenhower – Chairman
Waddell F. Smith – President
Marvin F. Kivett – Vice President, Nebraska

Erected by Jefferson County Historical Association; and National Pony Express Centennial Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Pony Express National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 12, 1861.

Location. 40° 8.15′ N, 97° 10.825′ W. Marker is in Fairbury,

Pony Express Centennial Medallion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2021

2. Pony Express Centennial Medallion

(mounted below Pony Express Station Marker)
National Pony Express Centennial Association
1860-61 • 1960-61
St. Joseph to Sacramento
Russell • Majors • Waddell
Founders • Owners • Operators
Pony Express

Click or scan to see
this page online

Nebraska, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from 5th Street just west of E Street (568th Avenue), on the left when traveling west. Marker is located near the northeast corner of the Jefferson County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 4th Street, Fairbury NE 68352, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Jefferson County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Representing Rock Creek Station Well (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia Station — (Whiskey Run) (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Smith Limekiln and Limestone House (approx. 4.8 miles away); Kit Carson • Col. John Fremont (approx. 6½ miles away); The Initial Point of the Public Land Surveys of the Sixth Principal Meridian (approx. 13.6 miles away in Kansas); Plymouth (approx. 15.4 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 15.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairbury.

Also see . . . Pony Express Division One – St. Joseph to Fort Kearny. Big Sandy Station is about three miles east of Alexandria. Sources generally agree about its identity as a Pony Express station, with stagecoaches stopping there as well. Virginia City Station (Whiskey Run) is located four miles north of Fairbury. Rock Creek Station was an important road ranch on the Oregon Trail, first established in 1857 by S. C. Glenn. It was

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2021

3. Jefferson County Pony Express Stations Marker

here, on July 12, 1861, that the legendary gunfight between David McCanles and James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok took place. Rock House Station (Otoe Station) was situated about three miles northeast of Steele City. This relay station served as a stop for stagecoaches, Pony Express riders, and weary travelers. (Submitted on July 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2021

4. Jefferson County Pony Express Stations Marker

(Jefferson County Courthouse in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 256 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.