The Pony Express versus The Telegraph

"Men Wanted” The undersigned wishes to hire ten or a dozen men, familiar with the management of horses, as hostlers, or riders on the Overland Express Route via Salt Lake City. Wages $50 per month and found.” - Ad in Sacramento Union, March 19, 1860.

Background There was a great need for fast mail service from coast to coast due to the 1849 Gold Rush and the Mormon exodus to Utah in 1847.

Background Cont. This need was partially filled by outfits such as the Butterfield Overland Mail Service starting in 1857 and private carriers in following years.

Background Cont. Because of the demand for faster mail service. The Leavenworth & Pike's Peak Express Company by William H. Russell, Alexander Majors and William B. Waddell became the answer. It was later known as the Pony Express.

Operating the Pony Express The Pony Express was set up to provide a fresh horse every miles and a fresh rider every miles. 75 horses were needed total to make a one-way trip. Average speed was 10 miles per hour.

Relay Station in Kansas

Operating the Pony Express Over 100 stations, horses and enough riders were needed - at an estimated cost of $70,000.

Operating the Pony Express Despite the success and approval of the public, the Pony Express was by no means a trouble-free operation after the first delivery. Costs and difficulties of maintaining the extensive network of stations, people and horses were numerous.

How it came to an end… Approximately 10 weeks after the Pony Express was started Congress authorized funds to construct telegraph lines that would connect New York to California.

How it came to an end… The Overland Telegraph Company of California and the Pacific Telegraph Company of Nebraska began the race to meet in Salt Lake City, UT.

How it came to an end… On October 26 the wires were joined, and San Francisco was in direct contact with New York City. On that day the Pony Express was officially terminated, but it was not until November that the last letters completed their journey over the route.

How it came to an end… The Pony Express was only in operation for 18 months between April 1860 and October 1861.