Nebraska
Welcome to Nebraska!
The Pony Express basically followed the Oregon Trail up to and along the Platte River. It dipped down into Colorado at Julesburg before heading up into the Nebraska Panhandle, however. The trail passed by significant land marks, such as Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock.
Gothenburg Leader — A Leap Into History: Immortalizing Pony Express
A life-sized horse and Pony Express rider will soon be a reality in Gothenburg. Artist and sculptor Linda Egle of, Continue Reading
10-11 Now — Gothenburg community celebrates refreshed Pony Express mural
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – In the early 1860s, the Pony Express was established as an American express mail service,, Continue Reading
KNEB — Severe Weather Interrupted Pony Express Re-Ride Stop at Scotts Bluff National Monument
KNEB TV Video — Watch it here…
Re-enacted Pony Express passes through Nebraska Panhandle
SCOTTSBLUFF —The annual re-ride of the Pony Express was seen on area roads June 20. It is a time to relive, Continue Reading
Scottsbluff community recovering from June 20 storm
The June 20 storm occurred just as riders of the Pony Express Re-ride were entering Gering. Read more..
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**For 2024 NATIONAL Re-Ride Schedule — Click Here**
** For Printable 2024 NEBRASKA Re-Ride Schedule – Click Here**
(Nebraska Allotted Time: 55 Hours)
Schedule best viewed on mobile device in Landscape position.
*CDT to Paxton, then change to MDT*
Tuesday, June 18 |
| Steele City to Hwy 53 (Near Bridge) 12:30 PM – 4:45 PM |
| Rock Creek Station 1:45 PM |
| Highway 53 to Oak 4:45 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Oak to Oregon Trail Marker (Hwy 281) 8:30 PM – 1:15 AM |
Wednesday, June 19 |
| Oregon Trail Marker to Susan Hail Grave 1:15 AM – 4:15 AM |
| Susan Hail Grave to Fort Kearny 4:15 AM – 6:15 AM |
| Fort Kearny to Overton 6:15 AM – 9:15 AM |
| Overton to Cozad 9:15 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Cozad to Brady 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Midway Station 2:15 PM 10 minute photo stop |
| Brady to North Platte 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| North Platte to Paxton 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
Change to MDT at Paxton |
Thursday, June 20 |
| Paxton to Big Springs 10:00 PM – 2:30 AM |
| Tri-Trails Park, Ogallala Midnight |
| Big Springs to Chappell: COLORADO RIDERS 2:30-6:00 AM |
| Chappell to Sidney 6:00 AM – 8:20 AM |
| Sidney to Bridgeport 8:20 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Bridgeport to Lyman (Wyoming Border) 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Chimney Rock 1:15 PM |
| Scottsbluff National Monument 4:00 PM |
THE PONY GOES TO LINCOLN! by Mary Cone
Watch Video of the Presentation
Statehood Day in Lincoln, Nebraska, on March 1, 2017, celebrated Nebraska’s 150th birthday! The Nebraska Division of the National Pony Express Association was proud and privileged to be a big part of the day’s ceremonies.
24 Pony Riders carried a copy of the original 1867 statehood document, which was signed by President Andrew Johnson, to Governor Pete Ricketts. Governor Ricketts and First Lady Susanne Shore greeted the Pony Riders on the west side of the State Capitol Building at 1:15pm. The Governor asked if we had ridden all the way from St. Joe. We hadn’t. Our trailer parking/staging area was in a state-owned parking lot, located just a few blocks from the Capitol. We had processed by two’s from there, completely circling the Capitol Building, which is set on 4 square city blocks. Two City of Lincoln Police cruisers escorted the group, front and back, for safe passage.
The front pair of Pony Riders carried the United States (Dick Heinrichs) and Nebraska (Audie Taylor) Flags. The third pair back carried the yellow XP Flag (Todd Heinrichs) and the Red 150th XP Flag (Alissa Overy). The second pair was Lyle Gronewold, who rode the 1991 National Re-Ride Mochila and carried the Statehood Day Proclamation and XP print, and Mary Cone, who rode the banner behind her saddle which graced the National Capitol lawn in Washington, DC, on April 3, 2010, while on a horse behind then-NPEA President Les Bennington’s saddle. Betty Taylor rode the Nebraska 150th mochila that was specially made by the Nebraska Division for 2010. The Pony Riders were a fine and noble sight and stirred tremendous excitement in the hearts of the mostly city-dwelling crowd. The horses seemed to sense that it was a special occasion and behaved most admirably.
NPEA, Nebraska Division, Lyle Gronewold of Gothenburg, presented the Governor with the proclamation. This document would be read by the Nebraska Secretary of State during the official ceremony at 2:00pm inside the Capitol building. Lyle then presented the Governor and First Lady with an official 150th XP Kohler Print from the 2010 Pony Express Sesquicentennial Celebration. He explained the significance of the print to Pony Express history. He also gave the First Couple a map of the XP Route that was printed in 2010, to also celebrate The Pony’s 150th year anniversary. Lyle shared that his daughter, Stepheanie, had artfully recreated some of the old XP station pictures that are found around the map’s border. The original station pictures were not available in a reproducible form, so these needed to be drawn by hand.
Mary Cone, Nebraska Trail Captain from Roscoe, then presented the Governor and First Lady with a specially framed 2017 Re-Ride Letter and Envelope. The Governor commented that his son is named Roscoe and that they had once stopped and taken a picture under the highway sign! Though not carried over the 1966-mile Pony Express National Historic Trail, this framed letter became the first 2017 Re-Ride Letter to be “delivered” by the Pony Express. Mary explained the significance of the letter to the Governor and First Lady, telling of how 1000-1100 letters will be carried from St. Joe to Sacramento from June 5-15 this year. Of great interest to them was the obvious presence of the USPS Nebraska Sesquicentennial Forever Stamp, which will adorn each letter that will be carried during the Re-Ride in June.
A picture of Chimney Rock is also on the envelope, as well as a picture of the Re-Ride Pin (which will also feature Chimney Rock). The Re-Ride Pin will be in blue and gold, to complement the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Logo colors. The Re-Ride Letter is a narrative about The Great Platte River Road through Nebraska and also mentions Chimney Rock, to tie in with the 2017 special year’s theme. Both the river and consummate trail icon are pictured in the Official Nebraska Sesquicentennial Seal.
The Governor asked where everyone was from and shouts hailed from the Pony Riders: Blue Hill, Roca, Hebron, Endicott, Chester, Snyder, Gothenburg, Fairbury, Cozad, Steele City, Glenvil, Brady. He then thanked us warmly for participating in the special day, and departed off to the Capitol Building for the official Statehood Day Celebration Ceremony inside the Legislative Chambers.
On Statehood Day in Lincoln on March 1, 2017, some young Pony Riders rode to the Capitol instead of attending their
school classes for the day. But, they were treated to a unique personal learning experience of a different sort that they will not soon forget. Mary Cone was one of those young Pony Riders 50 years ago, when Nebraska celebrated its Centennial in 1967 (long before NPEA was formed in 1978). To celebrate, a Pony Express Re-Ride was held across the state in August of that year. Many towns supplied riders from local horse clubs and 4-H groups. As a then-young 4-Her, I still remember and hold the experience dear and close to my heart.
What a fabulous day for all of those who participated.
Thanks to everyone, and especially the support people on foot who helped with logistics, brought food, talked with the crowd and scooped poop up off the streets behind the horses! It was indeed a special day for all involved.
Happy 150th Birthday, Nebraska!
CLICK HERE to see a listing of Nebraska Pony Express Stations.
The Passport Across Nebraska Program, now in its 15th year, guides participating travelers around Nebraska to visit and enjoy many treasures that exist throughout the state.
The purpose of the Nebraska Passport is to help travelers discover Nebraska’s hidden gems. The Nebraska Passport is special because it offers a wide variety of travel adventures, including museums, parks, restaurants, wineries, retail stores and more. nebraskapassport.com
The 2024 Nebraska Passport program runs from May 1 through September 30, 2024.
By visiting different places and getting your “Passport” stamped, participants become eligible for prizes.
One of the Passport Sites, the Gothenburg Historical Museum at 1420 Ave. F, (Stop #22) is located across the street from the Sam Machette Pony Express Station in Ehman Park. If your visit includes the Museum, be sure to trot across the street to see the Original Pony Express Station at Gothenburg, the Pony Express Capital of Nebraska! https://www.ponyexpressstation.org/
Wilbur P. Petersen
1943-2023
Message from Cathy Stevens : Bill Petersen was a friend and helper to Gene Hunt of Ft Kearny State Historical Park, a Pony Express exchange site. For many years Bill had assisted with the preparation and serving of an early breakfast for the Pony express riders along the National Historical Trail. Bill and Gene collaborated on placing miles and miles of signage along the trail in Nebraska.
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Robert F. Keiser
September 12, 1936 — July 25, 2023
Robert F. Keiser, 86, of Gothenburg, NE, passed away July 25, 2023 at Meadowlark Pointe in Cozad, NE.
He was born September 12, 1936 to Edwin and Gladys (Duis) Keiser in Gothenburg, NE. Robert graduated with the class of 1954.
Robert started at the young age of 17 driving a truck for Harry Wilson. He got the bug of driving and drove for Harry, James O Block, and he eventually drove with his brother Willard, buying out Harry Wilson, and combined the trucking and farming. He bought a second truck from Milford Lammers. He enjoyed trucking so much. After semi-retiring he helped out local farmers during harvest by hauling grain.
Robert married Elaine Martin on July 17,1960 and to this union three children were born, Jeff, Tim, Angie.
They loved family get togethers, going south for the winter and doing lots of camping in the summer. Robert will be missed by family and friends.
Robert also rode for the National Pony Express Association, from 1988 to 2002, for a total of 14 years of service. His son Tim rode with him several years as well. Robert also participated in the Olympic Torch Relay Ride in 1996 and served as Trail Captain for the Brady to Cozad trail section until 2002.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Elaine of Gothenburg, NE; son, Jeff (Tracey) Keiser, and their children, Jessica (Marion) Rotz and their boys, Lukas and Linkon Rotz, Johanna Keiser. Tim (Shanna) Keiser, and their children Jayde (Beau) Johnson and their children Riggs, Maggie, and Jed Johnson, TJ (Timilynn) Keiser and their children Rachel and baby “K” due in August. Daughter, Angie (Ron) Mannel and their children Shelby (Tyson) Miller and their children, Frankie and Nellie Miller, Kati Mannel and William Mannel. Brother, Willard (Laura) Keiser, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel 620 10th St, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, July 27, 2023, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm, with family present from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Services will be held at American Lutheran Church, Friday, July 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm with Doug Hjelmstad Officiating. Interment will follow in the American Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the family for later designation.
Douglas Max
June 30, 1956 — May 17, 2024
Douglas E. Max, 67, of rural Gothenburg, passed away May 17, 2024 at Gothenburg Health after battling complications of surgery following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in April of 2023.
Doug was born June 30, 1956 to Floyd “Earl” and Eunice “Jeanne” Max. The family resided in Cozad until Doug was in the 2nd grade and then they moved to Brady at that time. Doug attended Brady Public Schools graduating with the class of 1974. He excelled in football, basketball, and track receiving many accolades during his high school career. Doug went on to attend Mid Plains Community College receiving his associates degree in construction technology in 1976.
Doug married the love of his life Crystal Wilson (Crystie to him) on July 14, 1979 in Gothenburg. The couple moved to their farm home southwest of Gothenburg in January 1981 and have resided there until his passing. To this union, three children were welcomed, Amanda in 1983, Shane in 1985, and Emily in 1991.
In 1977, Doug began his long career at Central NE Public Power and Irrigation District. He operated heavy equipment for many years, and then as the supply canal superintendent, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. Doug continued to work full time for Central up to this last March, when his health left him unable to do his job.
Doug and Crys started a cow/calf operation in 1997 using 4-H bucket calves as their first cows. The herd was soon a family project.
Doug was a longtime member of Banner Church southwest of Gothenburg. He loved the Lord and served his church in many roles and on many committees. Doug loved his family and loved doing things with and for them. They were the center of his life, His greatest joys were his five grandsons.
Doug was proceeded in death by his father Earl Max, grandparents Ernest and Mary Bailey and August and Gladys Max, his mother-in-law Glenda Wilson, and his sister-in-law Lisa Wilson.
Left to cherish Doug’s memory are his loving wife of 44 years, Crys, daughters Amanda (Travis) Barkmeier of Lexington and Emily (Trent) Prather of Omaha, son, Shane (Kelsey) Max of Gothenburg. Grandsons, Kaden and Kooper Barkmeier, August, Tucker, and Quinten Max, and baby boy Prather due in June. Other survivors include Doug’s mom, Jeanne Max of Gothenburg, his brothers, Marty (Becky) Max of Minnesota, and Steve (Jill) Max of Ogallala, father-in-law Robert Wilson of Gothenburg, and brother-in-law Matt Wilson of Gothenburg. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, and other extended family, as well as many special friends and co-workers.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, May 23, 2024, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm with the family present from 4:00-6:00 pm.
Funeral Services will be held at Cornerstone Bible Church, Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:30 am with Pastor Clarence Houser officiating.
Burial will follow in the Peckham Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to the Banner Church, 43997 East Banner Road, Gothenburg, NE 69138, My Bridge Radio or donors choice.
