On April 3, 1860, a rider left St. Joseph, Missouri, carrying a small leather pouch filled with letters. He was part of the Pony Express, a bold and short-lived mail delivery system designed to carry messages across the western frontier—fast.
The route stretched nearly 2,000 miles to Sacramento, California, and riders traveled day and night through rugged terrain, hostile weather, and the threat of attacks. Each rider would cover about 75–100 miles per shift, changing horses every 10–15 miles at way stations along the route. The fastest delivery on record took just under 8 days—an astonishing feat for the time.
Though it only lasted 18 months before being replaced by the telegraph, the Pony Express became a legendary part of American lore, symbolizing speed, bravery, and the relentless push westward.