Pony Express Station: Gothenburg, NB

We made a quick stop here at one of the original Pony Express Stations. The door was open as we walked up. Maddie was asking me where we were going. I tried to explain a little bit abut the Pony Express to her. Then she said, "Oh, and then they made it into a gift shop?"

Pretty much!

They do have some artifacts inside as well.

A little history: During the time from April 3, 1860 to late October 1861 the Pony Express riders were providing the fastest mail delivery between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California.

In total there were 183 men that were riders for the Pony Express during this period of just over 18 months. They had to be young, skinny men, not over 18 and must have been expert riders. It was said they had to be willing to risk death daily and that orphans were preferred.

The end of the Pony Express happened on October 24, 1861. The route could not be continued with the outbreak of the Civil War, the lack of getting a government mail contract, and the debt incurred by the owners.