St. Joseph in Buchanan County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Pony Express
"Saddle and Mochila"
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 29, 2011
1. "Saddle and Mochila" Marker (front)
On April 3, 1860 the eastern Pony Express mail arrived by train and it was late. To save time the Pony Express Company which was located in the Patee House at 12th and Penn Streets had the mail taken directly to the post office. The post office was closer to the ferry landing and was located on the east side of Second Street 120 feet north of Francis St.
The mail was first put into the four castinas (pockets of the "Mochila" (mo-che-la). The mail consisted of a few newspapers printed on light weight paper, 49 letters and 9 telegrams. They were then wrapped in oiled skin for additional weatherproofing.
The first Pony Express left from the post office at 7:15 p.m. and arrived in San Francisco after nearly 2,000 miles at 1:00 a.m. on April 14. That trip took 10 days, 7 hours and 45 minutes.
© 1990 Joe Nardone
Dedicated April 3, 1990
130th Pony Express Awareness Anniversary
Erected 1990 by Frank A. Fiore, James Stretesky, Richard Wiemholt, Joseph R. Nardone, Sr., Pony Express Trail Assn, et al.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Communications • Exploration
this page online
Location. 39° 45.99′ N, 94° 51.408′ W. Marker is in St. Joseph, Missouri, in Buchanan County. Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Street and Felix Street, on the right when traveling south on 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 South 3rd Street, Saint Joseph MO 64501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Missouri Valley Trust Company (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Boder Building (about 400 feet away); The Journey West (about 400 feet away); Donnell Court Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Queen of the River Towns • King of the Trails" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Buchanan County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); The California - Oregon Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Pony Express (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Joseph.
Also see . . .
1. Pony Express National Historic Trail. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 29, 2011
2. "Saddle and Mochila" Marker (back)
2. National Pony Express Association. Association website homepage (Submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Pony Express Historical Timeline. Pony Express National Museum website entry (Submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 29, 2011
3. "Saddle and Mochila" Marker
Looking southwest
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 992 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
