Hollenberg Pony Express Station facts for kids
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Hollenberg Pony Express Station
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Hollenberg Pony Express Station in 1991
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Hanover, Kansas |
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| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1860 |
| Architect | G.H. Hollenberg |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000352 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 5, 1961 |
The Hollenberg Pony Express Station, also known as Cottonwood Pony Express Station, is a very special historical building in the United States. It's the most complete Pony Express station that still exists today!
The Pony Express was a super-fast mail service that used horseback riders to deliver letters across the country. It ran for only 18 months, from 1860 to 1861. This station was built by Gerat H. Hollenberg in 1858. It helped travelers on the famous Oregon Trail and California Trail. When the Pony Express started, it became an important stop for riders.
Today, the state of Kansas owns the station. The Kansas Historical Society takes care of it as the Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site. Because it's so important, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
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What is the Hollenberg Pony Express Station?
The Hollenberg Pony Express Station is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Hanover, Kansas. You can find it along Kansas Highway 243.
A Look Inside the Station
The station is a building made of cottonwood wood. It has one and a half stories and a sloped roof. The outside is covered with wooden shingles, and it sits on a stone foundation.
Inside, the building has six rooms. Four of these rooms were where the Hollenberg family lived. One room was a shop where they sold things to travelers. Another room was a bar and tavern. The upstairs area, called the loft, was a sleeping area. Pony Express riders and other guests could rest there. In the past, there was also a stable for horses and a blacksmith's shop nearby.
The Station's Busy History
Gerat H. Hollenberg built this station around 1857 or 1858. It was a "way station" for people traveling on the Oregon and California migrant trails. These trails were used by many pioneers heading west.
When the Pony Express began, this station became a "home station." This meant it was a place where riders would switch to a fresh horse. Sometimes, a new rider would even take over the mailbag here. The Pony Express only operated for a short time, ending in October 1861. The station also helped the Butterfield Overland Mail service.
Hollenberg was a busy man! He traded with the pioneers on the trails. His station was the westernmost Pony Express stop in Kansas. He also helped with the Overland Mail service. The building has never been moved and still looks much like it did back then. Hollenberg became successful and even helped start the town of Hanover, Kansas. He was also elected to the Kansas Legislature.
From Farm to Historic Site
Hollenberg passed away in 1874. After that, the property was used as a farm until 1941. In 1941, the state of Kansas bought the station. Then, in 1963, the state historical society took over its care and management.
Today, you can visit the Hollenberg Pony Express Station! It is usually open from March to October. It's a great place to learn about the Pony Express and early American history.
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