Resources
California’s Rich Pioneer History Will Be Celebrated May 4 in Coloma
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – Before the famed California Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of gold seekers and others to Northern California, there were hundreds of pioneers who paved the way for them to arrive, already having constructed homes and businesses, started farms and even began building cities. Read More …
Dennis Cassinelli: Pony Express Stations, Part 4: Dayton
In 1849, Abner Blackburn and other prospectors heading to the California gold fields discovered the first Nevada gold where Gold Canyon reaches the Carson River at a place that later became Dayton. In the early 1850s, Spafford Hall constructed a log station and trading post to accommodate the needs of emigrants bound for California along … Continued
Pony Express stations, Part 4: Dayton
In 1849, Abner Blackburn and other prospectors heading to the California gold fields discovered the first Nevada gold where Gold Canyon reaches the Carson River at a place that later became Dayton. In the early 1850s, Spafford Hall constructed a log station and trading post to accommodate the needs of emigrants bound for California along … Continued
Today in History, April 13: The first Pony Express mail arrived
1860 The first Pony Express mail, traveling by horse and rider relay, reached Sacramento, California, after 10 days of travel. Read More …
Celebrate the Pony Express at the Benicia Capitol, April 14
BENICIA [CA] — Next year will mark the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Pony Express on April 3 of 1860. To commemorate this important occasion, the Benicia State Parks Association is sponsoring an historic lecture and presentation at the Benicia State Capitol on Sunday, April 14, 2019 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (please … Continued
Pony Express stations, Part 3: Carson City
By 1851, a trading post and a small ranch were established on the Carson Branch of the California Emigrant Trail in what is now Carson City. Frank Hall, W.J. Hall and George Jollenshee operated the station near what is now Fifth and Thompson streets. They called the place Eagle Station due to a large stuffed … Continued
Historically Yours: USPO honors Pony Express
Historically Yours: Pony Express cuts mail delivery time in half In 1850, California joined the Union and a faster means of communication was needed between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. Three businessmen — William Russell, Alexander Majors and William Waddell — came up with a plan to reduce the delivery time by more than … Continued
Historically Yours: Pony Express cuts mail delivery time in half
In the 1840s, Missouri was at the western edge of civilization and the beginning of the wild west. California was “on the other side of the continent.” There was a whole world between Missouri and California with little to no communication between the two, and yet, people were flocking to that far away place. So … Continued
April 3 Top of the day
This day in history April 3, 1860: The first Pony Express mail, traveling by horse and rider relay teams, simultaneously leaves St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. Read More …
Today in History, April 3
1860 1860: The legendary Pony Express began carrying mail between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. (The delivery system lasted only 18 months before giving way to the transcontinental telegraph.) Read More …