April 3, 1860
The Pony Express started its first run from St. Joseph. Read more about this in Tales From Missouri and the Heartland. The famous painting, statue, and movie depictions always show the rider speeding away from the starting point at full gallop. Actually he only went a couple of blocks to the riverfront where he had to stop and get on the ferry boat to cross the Missouri River.
This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.
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