1860: The first Pony Express rider reaches Sacramento, California.

“Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows. Not over 18. Must be expert riders. Willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.”

The ad, which appeared in a California newspaper, wasn’t quite accurate. Of the 183 men known to have ridden for the Pony Express, few were under 18 (although the youngest, Broncho Charlie, was 11) and few were orphans. But the message was clear; it was a tough way to earn a living, even at the princely wage of $100 a month.

The Pony Express operated between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento. Riders did not make the entire trip but worked in a relay system. The route per rider averaged between 75 and 100 miles and riders changed horses approximately every 10 to 15 miles. During summer, it took about 10 days to cover the entire route. Winter lengthened the travel time to around two weeks.

The advent of the telegraph put a quick end to the Pony Express. Despite its lofty place in American western folklore, the operation lasted barely 18 months, from April 1860 to October 1861.

(Source: AmericanWest.com)