It's a Team's Life

Pony Express

By Linda Caffee
Posted Dec 23rd 2011 12:43PM

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We often see roadside signs talking about something that happened at that exact stop or something that can be seen from that area.   Sometimes we are able to stop and read the signs, but usually we just drive on by.

We stopped at a rest area in Nevada and saw this silhouette of a Pony Express rider and information about the trail, riders, and the ponies, which was very interesting.   The Pony Express was started in 1860 traveling 2000 miles from St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA.   The riders could travel 250 miles in a 24 hour period carry a maximum of twenty pounds of mail.

The signs near the silhouette had some neat facts such as the amount of weight they could carry in their saddlebags that slipped over the saddle.   The endeavor consisted of 100 stations, 80 riders and between 400 and 500 horses.   From what I read the horses were all pretty wild and not broke. A farrier said they would tie the horses down and then he would proceed to shoe them.

The perfect rider was small in stature, less then 125 lbs., without family ties let than eighteen years old and have very little fear. They were paid $100 to $125 a month for their services and they went on to become legends of the old west.

The Pony Express lasted until 1861 when the Pacific Telegraph line ended the need for the mail service.   The Pony Express was never a financial success and the founders ended up filing bankruptcy.   During its existence only was mail delivery was lost.   



Bob & Linda Caffee

Leased to: FedEx Custom Critical 


TeamCaffee


Saint Louis MO

Expediters 6 years been out here on the road 11 years

[email protected]

 

Expediting isn't just trucking, it's a lifestyle; 


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