The Pony Express returns for a day

The Pony Express may have existed for only 19 months but it has become a key part of America’s Wild West folklore and this year celebrates its 150th anniversary.

On April 3, as part of the celebrations, riders and celebrities will re-enact the whole journey from Sacramento to Missouri and participants will deliver the post to the final stop at 10th Street, Pont Express Post Office, St Joseph.

The Pony Express started on April 3, 1860 when rider Johnny Fry rode his horse from the Pony Express stables in St. Joseph, Missouri, and headed west. On April 4, Billy Hamilton left Sacramento, California, and headed east. The riders started a relay race of nearly 2,000 miles - a race against time and hostile elements.

The Pony Express was an answer to the increasing demands of the rapidly growing number of settlers on the West Coast for faster communication of news from the eastern half of the United States. Their infamous adverts for employees read:

"Wanted young, skinny, wiry fellows - willing to risk death daily - orphans preferred - wages $25 per week."

Visit www.visitMo.co.uk or call 08456 020 574.