Competing with time, harsh climates, long distances, tough terrain, and the hostility of numerous Indian bands, the Pony Express carried mail 1600 miles across the West. From April 4, 1860 to October 24, 1861, the California Overland Mail and Pikes Peak Express, better known as the Pony Express, served as the nation's western communications link, kept the West informed, and helped keep California in the Union at the outbreak of the Civil War. Legend says that Pony Express rider William "Buffalo Bill" Cody exchanged horses here on a record ride from Red Buttes Station to Rocky Ridge Station and back. Because another rider died unexpectedly, Cody added an extra leg to his relay and eventually covered 322 miles in 21 hours and 40 minutes, using 21 horses. On another occasion, when chased by Indians from Horse Creek Station east of Independence Rock to Plant's Station just east of here, he rode one horse at top speed for 24 miles.