The Pony Express originated in 1860, when the nation was divided and civil war threatened. Communication between California and Washington DC took months. Although the Pony Express existed little more than 18 months, it played a major role in developing the post Gold Rush era in California and helped protect the west coast from Confederate piracy and efforts to overthrow the state government. Sportsman Hall in Pollock Pines was the original and only way-station in California. Because of the many hazards facing Pony Express riders, they were usually young unmarried men. Horses and mail saddlebags were changed in a matter of minutes.