#Sam Macchette Station

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Pony Express Day

Pony Express Day celebrates those brave souls who made up the unique mail delivery system of the same name. Back in the days of the wild west, there was no Fed Ex, no Postal Service that ran that far west, no planes, and delivery by ship were likely to take months if it ever got there at all.

Seeing this need for a specialized delivery service, Leavenworth and Pike’s Peak Express Company took an opportunity to expand into this void. From this important decision was born one of the most iconic pieces of American History, whose influence is felt in hundreds of Pony Express Day Festivals throughout the American Midwest.

History of Pony Express Day

The Pony Express existed for 18 months between the days of April 3, 1860, to October 1861. In these days there was no airmail, no great American Highway, all there were was hundreds of miles of wide-open spaces with not much in between but animal-filled wilderness and bandito filled hollows.

During this time, if you wanted to send a letter or small package from anywhere East past the gateway of St. Joseph, Missouri, there was only one way to go. The Pony Express was a massive employer for its time, with up to 80 young riders employed at any given stage, with stringent requirements on their age, size, and weight.

The Pony Express preferred to employ the youngest riders they could, in part for their resilience, and in part for how light they were. The lighter a man was the longer the horse could run and the more cargo the rider could carry, and since the horses were put to go full tilt for 10 to 15 miles at a stretch before changing, this was of vital importance.

The rider changed out every 75 to 100 miles, but the mail never so much as slowed even in the worst of weather. While the average trip from coast to coast (On Horseback!) took 10 days, when they delivered Lincoln’s Inaugural Address, the trip was made in a mere 7 days and 17 hours.

How to celebrate Pony Express Day

With Pony Express Day Festivals being a staple all throughout the United States, there are tons of opportunities to celebrate the bravery of these young mailmen. You can spend Postal Express Day dressed up as one of these adventurous young souls who served as the heart of America’s fast-tracked postal line while watching equestrian events commemorating the challenges they faced.

Speaking of equestrian events lets not forget the true heroes of this endeavor, the horses that carried men and post across the nation time and time again. These events often have a broad range of related events, including food-related events.

Chili was one of the staples of the old American West, and as you might imagine there was often a pot of this spicy staple bubbling to keep the riders fed as they came in and out with the packages.

If you find yourself without a local event, you can host one at your home. Make Chili and Cornbread, find logos and the like to print out online, and get the 1953 movie ‘Pony Express’ featuring Charleston Heston and Rhonda Fleming!

This is a classic about this amazing American institution and the trials and efforts of the men and women who fought to make it a reality. So get together with your friends and family on Pony Express Day, and celebrate the Pioneer spirit of the Old West!

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

Pony Express Day

Pony Express Day celebrates those brave souls who made up the unique mail delivery system of the same name. Back in the days of the wild west, there was no Fed Ex, no Postal Service that ran that far west, no planes, and delivery by ship were likely to take months if it ever got there at all.

Seeing this need for a specialized delivery service, Leavenworth and Pike’s Peak Express Company took an opportunity to expand into this void. From this important decision was born one of the most iconic pieces of American History, whose influence is felt in hundreds of Pony Express Day Festivals throughout the American Midwest.

History of Pony Express Day

The Pony Express existed for 18 months between the days of April 3, 1860, to October 1861. In these days there was no airmail, no great American Highway, all there were was hundreds of miles of wide-open spaces with not much in between but animal-filled wilderness and bandito filled hollows.

During this time, if you wanted to send a letter or small package from anywhere East past the gateway of St. Joseph, Missouri, there was only one way to go. The Pony Express was a massive employer for its time, with up to 80 young riders employed at any given stage, with stringent requirements on their age, size, and weight.

The Pony Express preferred to employ the youngest riders they could, in part for their resilience, and in part for how light they were. The lighter a man was the longer the horse could run and the more cargo the rider could carry, and since the horses were put to go full tilt for 10 to 15 miles at a stretch before changing, this was of vital importance.

The rider changed out every 75 to 100 miles, but the mail never so much as slowed even in the worst of weather. While the average trip from coast to coast (On Horseback!) took 10 days, when they delivered Lincoln’s Inaugural Address, the trip was made in a mere 7 days and 17 hours.

How to celebrate Pony Express Day

With Pony Express Day Festivals being a staple all throughout the United States, there are tons of opportunities to celebrate the bravery of these young mailmen. You can spend Postal Express Day dressed up as one of these adventurous young souls who served as the heart of America’s fast-tracked postal line while watching equestrian events commemorating the challenges they faced.

Speaking of equestrian events lets not forget the true heroes of this endeavor, the horses that carried men and post across the nation time and time again. These events often have a broad range of related events, including food-related events.

Chili was one of the staples of the old American West, and as you might imagine there was often a pot of this spicy staple bubbling to keep the riders fed as they came in and out with the packages.

If you find yourself without a local event, you can host one at your home. Make Chili and Cornbread, find logos and the like to print out online, and get the 1953 movie ‘Pony Express’ featuring Charleston Heston and Rhonda Fleming!

This is a classic about this amazing American institution and the trials and efforts of the men and women who fought to make it a reality. So get together with your friends and family on Pony Express Day, and celebrate the Pioneer spirit of the Old West!

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

The first successful United States Pony Express run from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, began on April 3, 1860.

The Pony Express was a mail service delivering messages, newspapers, and mail using relays of horse-mounted riders that operated from April 3, 1860, to October 1861 between Missouri and California in the United States of America.  

Pony Express Day

Pony Express Day is on April 3 every year. This annual observance celebrates the innovative founders and brave riders who made up the Pony Express, quick delivery, and mail service of the early 1860s. The Pony Express was born back when there were no message delivery and postal services as we know today to link the far west — and most especially, the new state of California — with the rest of the United States. Thanks to its dogged riders and diligent staff, the Pony Express revolutionized the speedy delivery of messages and packages. The mail service ultimately spurred the creation of catalogs and enabled people to purchase products which are delivered by horse.

History of Pony Express Day

The Pony Express was a mail service that specialized in the delivery of mail, newspapers, and other packages through horse-mounted riders. This revolutionary mail delivery service operated between California and Missouri for 18 months — from April 3, 1860, until October 24, 1861, when its operations were shut down. The Pony Express was established following California’s population explosion and newfound prominence due to the Gold Rush.

The massive influx of prospectors, investors, and businessmen to California necessitated the existence of a fast route to deliver mail and other communications to the Pacific Coast. The Pony Express was founded by three businessmen — Alexander Majors, William Russell, and William B. Waddell — who were already freight and drayage tycoons. Officially known as Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company, the Pony Express — at the peak of its operations employed 6,000 men, and had 75,000 oxen, warehouses, and thousands of wagons. The company became the West’s most direct means of east-west communication before the establishment of the transcontinental telegraph.

During its 18-month operation, the Pony Express reduced the time for conveying messages to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to about ten days — offering great financial importance to the U.S. The Pony Express preferred to employ young, light, and resilient riders, as the owners believed that lighter riders would enable the horses to run faster and carry more cargo. While the average coast-to-coast trip on horseback took ten days, the trip that delivered Lincoln’s Inaugural Address actually took less time — just seven days and 17 hours! Sadly, the Pony Express struggled financially and folded in 18 months, when the faster transcontinental telegraph service was established. It pioneered the establishment of a unified transcontinental system of communications that could operate around the year.

Pony Express Day timeline

1860 The First Westbound Trip

The Pony Express’s inaugural westbound trip leaves St. Joseph on April 3 and arrives ten days later in Sacramento, California.

1861 “An Unrivaled Feat”

The Pony Express riders carry Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address from Nebraska to California in just seven days and 17 hours!

1861 Calling It Quits

The Pony Express officially folds in October, having lost as much as $200,000.

2006 Trademarking The Pony Express

The U.S. Postal Service announces it had trademarked “Pony Express” along with “Air Mail”.

Pony Express Day FAQs

How many Pony Express riders died?

Historical accounts show that seven Pony Express riders died on the job: four riders were killed by Native Americans; one was hanged for killing a man after he got drunk; two froze to death, and one died in an unrelated accident.

How did the Pony Express get its name?

Central Overland California and Pike’s Peak Express Company — the business’s official name — was considered too long for many. The byname was derived from the 58-inch tall, 900-pound-weighing horses (ponies) that Alexander Majors acquired for the project.

How many miles did a Pony Express rider ride in one day?

Riders traveled an average of 75 to 100 miles a day, switching horses every ten to twelve miles.

Pony Express Day Activities

Remember the brave riders

Read more

Host a Pony Express memorial party

Pay tribute to the adventurous young riders who served at the Pony Express — such as 14-year-old Billy Tate who was killed tragically by Paiute Indian bandits while en route. A great way is to dress up like a rider and watch equestrian events commemorating the challenges those brave souls faced while on the job.

You can also use this opportunity to read more about the Pony Express, the ambitious founders, incredible riders, and the sturdy horses they used for business. You’ll be wowed with the beautiful details you’ll find.

Throw a party at home. Make chili and cornbread — a common staple of the old American West. Print out logos, pictures, and other souvenirs online. You can also watch the 1953 movie “Pony Express” featuring Charleston Heston and Rhonda Fleming.

5 Interesting Facts About The Pony Express

Floated in two months

Riders had to take a loyalty oath

Riders carried special pouches

Horses were changed during trips

An amazing feat

Russell, Majors, and Waddell organized and put together the Pony Express in two months in the winter of 1860.

Co-founder Alexander Majors required each employee to take an oath saying that they wouldn’t curse, drink, or fight.

Each rider carried a mail pouch called a ‘mochila’ — the Spanish word for ‘pouch’ or ‘backpack’ — with him.

A rider was expected to dismount and switch to a fresh horse every 10 to 12 miles.

During its 18 months of operation, the Pony Express delivered 34,753 letters and made 308 complete runs, covering a distance of about 616,000 miles — equivalent to circling Earth over 30 times!

Why We Love Pony Express Day

Celebrating ambitiousness

Celebrating bravery

Celebrating the pioneer spirit of the Old West

Despite failing to win an exclusive government mail contract, the founders of the Pony Express set up the company in just two months in the winter of 1860. Talk about ambition and a never-say-die attitude!

Much of the company’s successful operations during its 18-month stint are due to innovative managerial strategies. However, the heroic riders who worked tirelessly are the true backbone of the speedy mail delivery service.

While Pony Express ended abruptly due to insolvency and the advent of the telegraph, it’s now an adorable part of the American West lore. On Pony Express Day, we remember the rugged riders, their innovative employers, and the tough animals that made up the company!

Source

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Samuel Colt obtained his first contract for the sale of revolver pistols to the United States government on January 6, 1847.

[rabbitcruiser]

Samuel Colt patented the first production-model revolver, the .34-caliber on March 5, 1835.  

[rabbitcruiser]

The Pony Express officially ceased operations on October 26, 1861.

[rabbitcruiser]

Samuel Colt obtained his first contract for the sale of revolver pistols to the United States government on January 6, 1847.

[rabbitcruiser]

Nebraska became the 37th U.S. state on 1 March, 1867.  

[rabbitcruiser]

Samuel Colt patented the first production-model revolver, the .34-caliber om March 5, 1835.

[rabbitcruiser]

The first successful United States Pony Express run from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, began on April 3, 1860.

The Pony Express was a mail service delivering messages, newspapers, and mail using relays of horse-mounted riders that operated from April 3, 1860, to October 1861 between Missouri and California in the United States of America.

[rabbitcruiser]

Pony Express Day

Pony Express Day celebrates those brave souls who made up the unique mail delivery system of the same name. Back in the days of the wild west, there was no Fed Ex, no Postal Service that ran that far west, no planes, and delivery by ship were likely to take months if it ever got there at all.

Seeing this need for a specialized delivery service, Leavenworth and Pike’s Peak Express Company took an opportunity to expand into this void. From this important decision was born one of the most iconic pieces of American History, whose influence is felt in hundreds of Pony Express Day Festivals throughout the American Midwest.

History of Pony Express Day

The Pony Express existed for 18 months between the days of April 3, 1860, to October 1861. In these days there was no airmail, no great American Highway, all there were was hundreds of miles of wide-open spaces with not much in between but animal-filled wilderness and bandito filled hollows.

During this time, if you wanted to send a letter or small package from anywhere East past the gateway of St. Joseph, Missouri, there was only one way to go. The Pony Express was a massive employer for its time, with up to 80 young riders employed at any given stage, with stringent requirements on their age, size, and weight.

The Pony Express preferred to employ the youngest riders they could, in part for their resilience, and in part for how light they were. The lighter a man was the longer the horse could run and the more cargo the rider could carry, and since the horses were put to go full tilt for 10 to 15 miles at a stretch before changing, this was of vital importance.

The rider changed out every 75 to 100 miles, but the mail never so much as slowed even in the worst of weather. While the average trip from coast to coast (On Horseback!) took 10 days, when they delivered Lincoln’s Inaugural Address, the trip was made in a mere 7 days and 17 hours.

How to celebrate Pony Express Day

With Pony Express Day Festivals being a staple all throughout the United States, there are tons of opportunities to celebrate the bravery of these young mailmen. You can spend Postal Express Day dressed up as one of these adventurous young souls who served as the heart of America’s fast-tracked postal line while watching equestrian events commemorating the challenges they faced.

Speaking of equestrian events lets not forget the true heroes of this endeavor, the horses that carried men and post across the nation time and time again. These events often have a broad range of related events, including food-related events.

Chili was one of the staples of the old American West, and as you might imagine there was often a pot of this spicy staple bubbling to keep the riders fed as they came in and out with the packages.

If you find yourself without a local event, you can host one at your home. Make Chili and Cornbread, find logos and the like to print out online, and get the 1953 movie ‘Pony Express’ featuring Charleston Heston and Rhonda Fleming!

This is a classic about this amazing American institution and the trials and efforts of the men and women who fought to make it a reality. So get together with your friends and family on Pony Express Day, and celebrate the Pioneer spirit of the Old West!

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

Log Cabin Day

Back in the early days of the world, people built homes out of strong and sturdy logs. Carefully notched together and sealed in-between with a caulking agent like mud or clay, Log Cabins were sturdy and reliable, and could stand the test of time. Admittedly, you’d have to change the roof out every so often, but ultimately there was nothing like them. They were especially popular in the frontier days of the American migration west, and seven of the American Presidents were born in them. Log Cabin Day celebrates the history of the Log Cabin and commemorates this most humble of homes.

History of Log Cabin Day Log Cabin day was originated by the Log Cabin Society (go figure) in corroboration with the Bad Axe Historical society. Each year people go out to help preserve historical log cabins so that they can be maintained for the future and hold on to the artifacts and memories that make them so important. So important to the American History and idea of humility is the Log Cabin that the Whigs, American Colonists who supported the American Revolution, used it as the symbol of William Henry Harrisons campaign to show that he was a simple man of the people.

Log Cabins go back a lot further than just the America’s though, anywhere there were tall sturdy timbers the Log Cabin became a mainstay of habitation. The Wood Museum in Trondheim displays multiple forms of log cabin, fourteen in total. But Log cabins appeared all over the northern reaches of Europe in an incredibly range of styles. Sometimes the outside was even hewn flat so that siding could be put on, and occasionally the interior was given the same treatment to make the way for wallpaper, lath, or plaster. Log Cabins are just that versatile, no wonder they’re still a loved form of home to this day.

How to Celebrate Log Cabin Day There are log cabins all over the USA, and if you live near one of them you can often rent them for a weekend or more. There are also homes in the US that are built to this day like actual cabins, so if you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to live in one, check out a modern day log cabin. They’re warm and inviting, and naturally insulated against heat and cold. Take Log Cabin Day to celebrate these amazing parts of American History and the fantastic homes they were, and have become throughout the world at large.

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

Nebraska became the 37th U.S. state on 1 March, 1867.

[rabbitcruiser]

Samuel Colt patented the first production-model revolver, the .34-caliber om March 5, 1835.

[rabbitcruiser]

Nebraska became the 37th U.S. state on March 1, 1867.

[rabbitcruiser]

Samuel Colt was granted a United States patent for the Colt revolver on February 25, 1836.