Last updated: August 7, 2026
Place
B.F. Hastings Building
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Corner of 2nd & J Streets Old Sacramento State Historic Park Sacramento CA 95814 916-440-4263 GPS Hastings Building: 38.583080 -121.504317
Significance:
The B.F. Hastings Building in present-day Old Sacramento State Park served as the western terminus of the horseback Pony Express from April 3, 1860, through April 15, 1861, when the operation moved to historic Lady Adams Building. The Hastings and the adjacent Lady Adams buildings still stand today.
Designation:
Historic site on the Pony Express National Historic Trail.
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
15 listed
Accessible Sites, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Food/Drink - Restaurant/Table Service, Food/Drink - Snacks, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
The 1853 B.F. Hastings Building served as the western terminus of the overland Pony Express from April 3, 1860, through April 15, 1861, when operations moved to the historic Lady Adams Building. From this site, riders stabled their horses and boarded river steamboats that carried them down the Sacramento River and across the bay to San Francsico.
Today, the Hastings and Lady Adams buildings stand side by side within Old Sacramento State Historic Park and Old Town Sacramento National Historic Landmark. Across the street, an iconic bronze statue depicts a galloping Pony Express horse and rider.
Old Town includes more than 50 historic buildings, along with shops, monuments, and museums that line its Gold Rush-era streets. Visitors can also enjoy train, steamboat, and carriage rides. Entry to the park is free, though some individual venues charge admission. Attractions include:
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B.F. Hastings Building (2nd and J Sts), Pony Express office from April 3, 1860, through April 15, 1861.
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Lady Adams Building (119 K Street), the oldest building in the district and a Pony Express station from April 16, 1861, through November 20, 1861.
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Pony Express Plaza and monument depicting rider Sam Hamilton delivering the first westbound mochila into Sacramento (northeast corner of J and 2nd streets, near B.F. Hastings Building).
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The 1927 Delta King (Sacramento Riverfront off K Street), a historic sternwheeler riverboat similar to the river steamers that carried Pony Express riders to San Francisco.
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Monument to Theodore Judah, visionary and chief engineer for the transcontinental railroad survey (L and 2nd streets).
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California State Railroad Museum (111 I Street), featuring the famous 1869 Golden Spike, an original steam locomotive used in building the transcontinental railroad, and exhibits about the Chinese railroad workers of the Central Pacific Railroad.
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Sacramento History Museum (101 I Street), offering historical images, artifacts, and other exhibits about Sacramento history. Visit the museum’s website for current information and tours.
For park hours, parking, and directions, visit the Old Town Sacramento State Historic Park website.
Site Information
Location (Corner of 2nd & J Streets Sacramento CA)