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 cool place in Saint Joseph, Missouri. It tells the amazing story of the Pony Express. This was the very first fast mail service across North America. It stretched from the Missouri River all the way to the Pacific coast. The museum is inside a part of the old Pike's Peak Stables. This is where Pony Express riders started their long journeys west.
The Pony Express Museum is a super important place for learning history. It teaches about the legendary mail service. This service ran from April 3, 1860, to October 26, 1861. The museum has many exhibits, including a 7-part diorama. It also features maps, an archeological dig, and real artifacts. Visitors from all over the world have enjoyed learning here. The museum celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express in April 2010. Over 10,000 people came to this special event. You can find the museum at 914 Penn Street, St. Joseph, Missouri. In 2011, the museum made a live-action movie. It was called Days of the Pony Express.
The Historic Stables
The Pony Express Stables are also known as Pike's Peak Stables. This is a very old stable building in St. Joseph, Missouri. It is a one-story building. It was first built in 1858 using wood. Later, in 1888, its outside walls were rebuilt with bricks. Some of the original wood posts and beams might have been used again. This building was the starting point for the Pony Express in the east. Today, it is home to the museum.
How the Stables Were Used
The building was first called Pike's Peak Stable. It was used to care for horses. These horses belonged to a local company that moved goods and ran stagecoaches. In 1860, a company called Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company bought it. They used it for the Pony Express. On April 3, 1860, the very first Pony Express ride began here. A rider named William (Billie) Richardson left from this stable. He went to the Patee House to pick up a special mailbag called a mochilla. Then, he headed west on his journey.
Restoration and Recognition
The building was fixed up in 1950. This was done by the Goetz Foundation. After that, the Pony Express National Memorial museum was created inside it. The building is about 58 feet by 55 feet in size. Its front and side walls are made of thick brick. In 1970, the back wall was still wood. It was covered with a material called asbestos board. The Pony Express Stables were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This means it is a very important historical site.
