Last updated: May 30, 2025
Place
Woodford's Station
NPS Video
Quick Facts
Location:
Woodfords, California. The Pony Express Station and Woodford's Hotel were located where the Mad Dog Cafe sits today.
Significance:
Lodging located along the California Trail and a remount station on the Pony Express.
Amenities
1 listed
Food/Drink - Restaurant/Table Service
Pony Express California No. 1 Remount Station (used only during April 1860)
(Woodford's)
(Woodford's)
Woodford's Station was used as a Pony Express Remount Station for about five weeks, over the course of April 1860. The building was known as the "Sign of the Elephant" Hotel and was built by Woodford to accommodate travelers making their way to California for the Gold Rush. The location of the station is where the current Mad Dog Cafe now sits, though the original building is no longer standing. There are two historical markers located near the cafe.
Now called the Wade House, Willis P. Merrill opened the first store in this area in 1854. The house is still inhabited and should only be viewed from the street.
Site Information
Location (Woodfords, California)