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Pony Express National Historic TrailMud Spring relay station was located near this historical marker in western Nebraska.
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Pony Express National Historic Trail
Related Historic Trails
Photo image of the annual re-ride on the Pony Express National Historic Trail.
Chuck Milliken
Photo image of the annual re-ride on the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

The Pony Express Trail closely followed the route taken by emigrants heading to the Oregon and California territories in the 1840s - 60s.

In the early 1860s, the Pony Express mail service basically followed the Great Platte River Road across Nebraska and the Sweetwater in Wyoming, until it reached the Salt Lake Valley where it continued across the deserts of the Great Basin.

The Mormon Pioneer, Oregon, California, and Pony Express are all designated as national historic trails. Although the Mormons tried hard to avoid contact with other emigrant travelers, at times they all crossed paths - sometimes by chance and sometimes out of necessity. You may find it interesting to look at these other trails and the stories and experiences they shared. Click on the links below to visit the web sites for these other trails.


Oregon National Historic Trail

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

California National Historic Trail

 

Barlow Road - a toll road built to bypass the Columbia River route to Oregon City.  

Did You Know?
Many emigrants chose to take the Barlow Road around Mt. Hood as an alternative to dissembling their wagons and running the cold rapids of the Columbia River to reach their destination in the Oregon Territory in the 1840s-1860s.
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Last Updated: November 02, 2006 at 17:25 EST