Giddy-Up Ya to the Pony Express National Museum in St. Joseph, MO

In 1860 the method of delivering mail was by horseback and rider. One of the most well-known landmarks where this began is at the Pony Express Stables in St. Joseph, MO. Nowadays this would probably be considered as snail mail.

Traveling from St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA was 2,000 miles. It wasn't a simple drive just around the block. Brave were those riders who forged ahead even in the midst of the worse weather and not-always-so-cooperative terrain.

At this museum, visitors will be treated to a variety of educational exhibits depicting why the Pony Express was started and what led to its termination. You will also see how this system operated through various well-designed displays. Additionally, you will get an idea of what the land looked like and the challenges they faced while traveling it.

According to their brochure, "The Pony Express Museum, Inc., is a private not-for-profit organization created in 1990 to interpret, preserve and promote the legend and legacy of the Pony Express as it originated in St. Joseph, Missouri".

This museum is located at 914 Penn St. in St. Joseph, Missouri. Their phone number is 816-279-5059 or toll-free at 1-800-530-5930. It is opened Monday through Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday from 1 to 5. Admission fee is as follows: Adults (18 to 59) $5.00; Seniors (60 and above) $4.00; Students (7-17) $3.00; Children 6 and under free. Ask about their group rates.

Perhaps knowing what these riders went through in delivering mail years ago will give us a better appreciation of our modern postal carriers.

I found this museum to be a great way to spend part of a day. And if you're interested, you can rent out the Community Room for special events. Couldn't you see just having a western-themed party here? Ride em cowboy. Yahoo!!

This museum does a great job in making history come alive.

SOURCE:

Personal experience
The Pony Express National Museum brochure