In Saint Joseph, Missouri, a surviving portion of Pike’s Peak Stables marks the Pony Express’s eastern terminus, where westbound riders began carrying mail from the Missouri River toward the Pacific coast. Built in 1858 for a local freight and stagecoach company, the stable was acquired in 1860 by the Central Overland California and Pike’s Peak Express Company. From here, on April 3, 1860, William “Billie” Richardson set out on the first run after collecting a mochilla at the nearby Patee House. Though the Pony Express lasted only until October 26, 1861, the restored site preserves both the service’s story and the building’s later history.

Elwood, Kansas · USA