Last updated: September 10, 2023
Place
Pony Express Monument
NPS/Eric Grunwald
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
In November of 1957 the National Pony Express Centennial Associaion was founded at the Western Governors Conference. President Dwight D. Eisenhower agreed to be the honorary Chairman of the organization. Waddell F. Smith, grandson of one of the Pony Express' founders William Bradford Waddell, was elected President of the Centennial Association.
The National Pony Express Centennial Association organized a re-ride of the route of the Pony Express, with 500 riders traveling both directions between Sacramento and St. Joseph from July 19th through 28th of 1960. President Eisenhower sent letters in the mochila to each of the governors in the eight trail states. A special commemorative stamp was issued and placed on these envelopes. These stamps carried the date of July 19, 1960, the starting date of the re-ride and had a special cancellation stating Russell, Majors and Waddell as founders, owners and operators.
Besides the commemorative re-ride, commemorative letters and envelopes were carried across the trail. The U.S. Mint created two large Centennial Medals, a Founders Medal, and a Termination Medal. One thousand Colt Special Edition Centennial Revolvers were produced and sold to riders. The remaining funds were used to mark trail sites with memorials like the one found here, just outside the entrance to the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center.
The National Pony Express Centennial Association organized a re-ride of the route of the Pony Express, with 500 riders traveling both directions between Sacramento and St. Joseph from July 19th through 28th of 1960. President Eisenhower sent letters in the mochila to each of the governors in the eight trail states. A special commemorative stamp was issued and placed on these envelopes. These stamps carried the date of July 19, 1960, the starting date of the re-ride and had a special cancellation stating Russell, Majors and Waddell as founders, owners and operators.
Besides the commemorative re-ride, commemorative letters and envelopes were carried across the trail. The U.S. Mint created two large Centennial Medals, a Founders Medal, and a Termination Medal. One thousand Colt Special Edition Centennial Revolvers were produced and sold to riders. The remaining funds were used to mark trail sites with memorials like the one found here, just outside the entrance to the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center.