Pony Express National Museum

Pony Express National Museum Experience the Ride - Continue the Legacy The Pony Express was founded by William H. Russell, William B. Waddell, and Alexander Majors.
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Plans for the Pony Express were spurred by the threat of the Civil War and the need for faster communication with the West. The Pony Express consisted of relays of men riding horses carrying saddlebags of mail across a 2000-mile trail. The service opened officially on April 3, 1860, when riders left simultaneously from St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. The first westbound trip was

made in 9 days and 23 hours and the eastbound journey in 11 days and 12 hours. The pony riders covered 250 miles in a 24-hour day.

Executive Director Cindy Daffron proudly announces that the Pony Express Museum has been selected as one of True West Ma...
08/19/2026

Executive Director Cindy Daffron proudly announces that the Pony Express Museum has been selected as one of True West Magazine’s Top 10 Western Museums for 2026.

"We are thrilled to be ranked No. 3 for the first time! The Museum is featured in the September/October 2026 issue, which highlights some of the finest Western destinations in the country."

The Pony Express Museum is open seven days a week, except on major holidays.

Ms. Daffron says, “Come visit us at the Museum. We have added new exhibits and enhanced others. If you haven’t visited in the past five years or so, we have made some impressive changes. We replaced the wagon located outside along the boardwalk on the Museum’s west extension. We are expanding the Pridham trunk exhibit and have designated exhibits related specifically to Westward Expansion. We have also identified exhibits with military significance as part of our participation in the Blue Star Museums program. Stay tuned for additional press releases as we reimagine and relive the story of the Pony Express.”

True West Magazine captures the spirit of the West with authenticity, personality, and humor, providing an essential link between our history and the present. The magazine is published six times a year.

Additional information is available at www.twmag.com. Or purchase a copy at https://truewestmagazine.myshopify.com/collections/true-west-2026/products/true-west-magazine-september-october-2026-the-killer-rode-a-buckskin

06/17/2026
LIVE! Pony Expres Reride kicks off in St. Joseph, MO!
06/15/2026

LIVE! Pony Expres Reride kicks off in St. Joseph, MO!

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03/01/2026

Tuesday Night Talks 2-10-26 St. Joesph Fire Department

02/24/2026

Tuesday Night Talks 2/5/26 The Breakup Letter Heard Round the World

02/22/2026

Tuesday Night Talks 1/27/26 - Tom Brand "Where Stories Begin"

02/22/2026

Tuesday Night Talks 1/20/26 - King Hill Cemetery

Address

914 Penn Street
Saint Joseph, MO
64503

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

(816) 279-5059

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