Lincoln Highway Scenic & Historic Byway
Pony Express, NE

The Pony Express was an independent venture begun in 1860 that carried the mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. The route followed much of the same trail that the Oregon Trail used, with stations set up along the way to relieve riders. Riders would generally ride for 75-100 miles, getting a fresh horse every 10-15 miles. An ad in a California paper requesting riders stated, Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows. Not over 18. Must be expert riders. Willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.

The Pony Express folded when the telegraph was completed in 1861, but the business had accumulated a debt. Today, there are two Pony Express stations located in Gothenburg along the Platte River Scenic Trail.