America 250th Celebrations

As the United States approaches America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 2026, communities across the country are reflecting on the people, events, and innovations that shaped the nation’s identity. Organized in part by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, America 250 highlights milestones in civic development, westward expansion, and the enduring pursuit of liberty. One powerful symbol of American determination and ingenuity is the Pony Express, the short-lived but legendary mail service that operated from 1860 to 1861. By relaying messages on horseback across nearly 2,000 miles between St. Joseph and Sacramento, the Pony Express dramatically reduced communication time between the East and West, reinforcing connections across a rapidly expanding nation. Together, America 250 and the legacy of the Pony Express underscore themes of resilience, innovation, and unity that continue to define the American story.

Come celebrate with us!

Upcoming Events

Date/local Time	Location	Event	Details
May 27th (10 AM )	Austin K-12 Schools 200 Highway 305 North Austin, NV	America 250 Pony Express re-ride celebration Contact – Anne Martins	Living history demonstrations to highlight the role of the Pony Express and the importance of communication and transportation in the development of the American West.
May 30th (10 AM – 2 PM)	Dayton MainStreet	America 250 Pony Express re-ride celebration Contact – Petra Keller
June 5th (10 AM – 1 PM)	Fort Churchill State Park 10000 US-95 ALT Silver Springs, NV	America 250 Pony Express re-ride celebration Contact – Anne Martins	Living history demonstrations to highlight the role of the Pony Express and the importance of communication and transportation in the development of the American West.
June 6th & 7th	California Trail Center 1 Interpretive Center Way Elko, NV	The California Trail Center’s annual Trail Days is celebrating the 250th birthday of the USA! Events include a Pony Express Mochila Exchange Demonstration Contact – Andy Boyer	California Trail Days
June 15th, 3:00 PM CT	Patee House 1202 Penn Str St Joseph MO	Annual Re-Ride departs the Patee house	Follow The Ride
June 21st 3:00 – 5:00 PM CT	Camp Floyd State Park 69 W Main St Fairfield, UT	Come and Join Camp Floyd State Park from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (estimated time of arrival 4:00 PM) in watching the National Pony Express Association annual Pony Express Trail Re-Ride as the riders pass through Camp Floyd State Park.	Camp Floyd
June 24th 10 AM	Benson’s Feed 2750 US-50, Carson City, NV 89701	Come hear Chautauquan Kim Harris as Warren Upson talk about the importance of the Pony Express in keeping the Union together and witness a Mochila exchange Hosted by Carson City Historical Society Contact – Petra Keller
June 25th 4:30 PM PT	Old Sacramento, CA	Annual Pony Express Re-Ride arrives in Old Sacramento	Follow The Ride
June 27th 4:00 PM MT	Presentation and Mochila Exchange Old Echo Church 50 Temple Ln Echo UT	A presentation on Pony Express history and the trail, with horses and mochila exchange Contact – Pat Hearty	Note: The Historic Echo Church will open at 11am for visitors. The church is hosting a traveling Exhibition “Becoming the United States” (in conjunction with America 250) and a temporary exhibit celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Echo Church this year

Past Events