Historic Pony Express to be recognized in Carson City with 'Active Station' designation

The legendary 1860s mail carrier trail known as the Pony Express, which used horses and riders to deliver letters and parcels from Sacramento to east of the Rockies, remains a big part of Nevada's Wild West history because the trail went through the Silver State. Beginning next month the Pony Express will become a permanent fixture and a Carson City visitor destination.

A reception is being held for the Nevada Division of the Pony Express on Friday, April 3 at the Nevada Day Store and Trading Post, 108 W. Telegraph St. In Carson City. The Trading Post has become the nation’s first “active” Pony Express Station, launching a historical venue in that capital city that retraces the history of the mail service operation.

As part of this active station designation, Nevada Division of the Pony Express riders will be stamping cards and letters with their “official” Pony Express Rider stamp, teaching anyone interested about the Pony Express and recruiting potential riders to continue their living legacy.

"We are so very proud to be a part of the Nevada Division of the Pony Express, said Nevada Day President Kenneth Hamilton. "We are about promoting and celebrating Nevada Day and the history of Nevada and now we are making history together with the Pony Express and becoming Pony Express 'Active' Station Number one.

"We couldn't be happier. Supporting this fantastic group of Living Legacy Riders is an honor," he said. One of the Pony Express Riders who is a relative of one of the original riders, Pony Bob Haslam, is Jamie Nielsen. Guests will meet her at the reception.

The National Pony Express Riders Association does a historic re-ride annually from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, Calif. The Nevada Division is a part of that. They deliver mail to our lieutenant governor every year on the steps of the Capital. The national, 10-day, 24 hour-a-day event includes more than 600 riders stationed at intervals to relay a mochila (mailbag) filled with Pony Express Mail for the 1,966 mile ride.

The PXP originally started on April 3, 1860 and ended in October of 1861. The Trading Post station is launching its program on the same historic day. Originally there were 34 stops in Nevada. They were used and or substituted in the 18 months that the Pony Express was in use. They were known as Home, Relay, Swing and Remount stations. Each rider rode about 75 miles per day. The PXP originally had 5 divisions from St. Joseph to Sacramento.

An important note on this is that the success of these riders depended on "Station Keepers and Stock Tenders" for fresh mounts and a place to eat and rest. History tells of an older seasoned group of riders ready in case of emergency. Many riders could count on a fresh horse, saddle and bridle ready to keep the mail moving. What used to take 24 to 30 days depending on weather, now can be done in 10.

The young riders, who some were orphans, took an official oath and were sworn in. They were dependable, brave, creative, courageous and endured the harshest of conditions, outlaws, hostile Indian territories and loneliness. They did their work, quick, fast and in a hurry for 18 long and dangerous months. There is so much more to the Pony Express riders story and you can come hear the telling of these amazing riders and their life, starting April 3 at the Pony Express Riders reception.

A special treat is that there is new beautiful photography of some of the Nevada Division of the Pony Express Riders on display and for sale at the Nevada Day Store & Trading Post.

Three amazing and talented photographers work will be on display at the Nevada Day Store & Trading Post. Dennis Ducilla, Melissa Knight andKristen Kabrin, beautiful, beautiful work. Come say hello and meet Ron Bell, President of the Nevada Division of the Pony Express, Jim Swigart former National Association President and our very own Nevada Division of the Pony Express Riders.

Making it even more fun, come meet Carson City-based actor, Jack Waggon, who has been cast in the Frontier Western, TV Series “Big Sky” Bad Billy Mayfield, the Naughty Tea Mistresses of Nevada and Janet Chick Baker "The Prairie GodMother." They will all are be here to welcome The Nevada Division of the Pony Express to their new Home at the Nevada Day Store and Trading Post. Join us for this Nevada Proud reception.

The "Trading Post " has a new saying: Where the West is Alive and the Pony Express Rides... Again! The store is located at: 108 W Telegraph Street in Carson City. Call 775-882-2600; 10am until 1pm. Refreshments will be served.