Zusammenfassung der Ressource
The Pony Express
- On the 3rd of April 1860 the Waddell and Russell freight company started the Pony Express.
- They employed young me to ride between relay stations across the continent at
breakneck speed carrying mail in specially designed saddle bags.
- It took only minutes to
hand over the mail bags
to the next rider.
- They bought 500 ponies
and employed 200 young
men who travelled between
150 relay stations.
- The could cross from St. Joseph,
Missouri to Sacramento, California in
10 days calling at Salt Lake City,
Utah.
- Riders had to face the rough
countryside, the harsh climate
and sometimes hostile Indians.
- They weren't allowed to
swear or drink and were
issued with a bible, a
shotgun and a rifle.
- The Pony
Express lasted
for only 2 years.
- On 22nd October 1861, the
first telegraph was sent
across America, so there
was no further need for an
express mail service.