The Pony Express 1860-1861

The Pony Express 1860-1861

THE PONY EXPRESS 1860-1861

Wanted
Young, Wiry
Seeks adventure
Willing to risk death
Orphans preferred
$25 / Month

-California newspaper help wanted ad, 1860

I actually pondered running that exact ad in my hometown newspaper…..just to see what would happen.

The Pony Express is truly one of those iconic western subjects that surpasses images and goes instantly into feeling. It’s essence is “Americana”: part youthful adventure, entrepreneurship, death defying rides and mystery. It holds the loneliness of the solitary rider playing part in a continental landscape of events larger than himself. It brings under its umbrella braving the elements, encounters with Indians and of a young man trying to make his way in the world, with what may be his only talent….being a damn good rider.
SCOTT ROGERS