Pony Express Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pony Express Stables
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The historic stables at the Pony Express National Museum
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | 914 Penn Street, St. Joseph, Missouri |
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| Area | 9.9 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Built | 1858, 1888 |
| Built by | Holladay, Benjamin |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000322 |
| Added to NRHP | April 3, 1970 |
The Pony Express Museum is a special place in Saint Joseph, Missouri. It tells the exciting story of the Pony Express. This was the first super-fast mail service across North America.
The Pony Express carried letters and messages from the Missouri River all the way to the Pacific coast. The museum is inside part of the old Pike's Peak Stables. This is where brave Pony Express riders started their long journeys west.
The museum is a great spot to learn about this legendary mail service. It ran from April 3, 1860, to October 26, 1861. You can see exhibits, a cool diorama, maps, and real artifacts. Many visitors from all over the world have enjoyed learning here.
In 2010, the museum celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express. Over 10,000 people came to the event! The museum is located at 914 Penn Street, St. Joseph, Missouri. They even made a documentary film in 2011 called Days of the Pony Express.
The Historic Stables: Where It All Began
The Pony Express Stables are also known as Pike's Peak Stables. This historic building is in St. Joseph, Missouri. It's a one-story building that was first built in 1858. Back then, it was made of wood.
Later, in 1888, the outside walls were rebuilt with brick. Some of the original wood parts might have been kept or reused. This building was the starting point for the Pony Express in the East. Today, it is home to the museum.
Why Were These Stables Important?
The building was first called Pike's Peak Stable. It was used to care for horses belonging to a local freight and stagecoach company. In 1860, the Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company bought it. They needed it for the Pony Express.
On April 3, 1860, the very first Pony Express ride began here. A rider named William (Billie) Richardson left these stables. He rode to the Patee House to pick up a special mailbag called a mochilla. Then, he headed west on his amazing journey.
Saving the Stables for History
The building was fixed up in 1950 by the Goetz Foundation. After that, the Pony Express National Memorial museum was created inside. The building is about 58 feet long and 55 feet wide.
The front and side walls are made of thick brick. In 1970, the back wall was still wood frame with a brick base. It was covered with asbestos board. Because of its history, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
