The Pony Express began on April 3, 1860. Its original route from Johnson Pass (Echo Summit) to Genoa went through Hope Valley to Woodfords Station. On May 14, 1860, a new toll road over Daggett Pass opened to foot and horse traffic and was then used by the Pony Express through Lake Valley. Known as the Kingsbury Grade and built by David Kingsbury and John McDonald, it opened to wagon traffic on August 14, 1860. Because of this change, a new station was needed, and Friday’s Station was used. This 320 acre site was first owned by Martin K. “Friday” Burke and John Washington Small.