Overland Coach Stations in Chapter 12 of Roughing It

Submitted by scott on Sat, 06/29/2013 - 12:18

Back in Chapter 9 Mark Twain's narrative of his journey west had entered into Wyoming, approaching the Rocky Mountains. He then spent two chapters devoted to the notorious Jack Slade, division superintendent and vigilante. He begins chapter 12 by describing a Mormon wagon train he passed en route. He reaches the top of the Rocky Mountains at South Pass and then descends the west side eventually arriving in Salt Lake City. I had intended to display an animated map of this journey, as I did with the previous chapters, But I didn't find a suitable base map to use.

The Needles/Needle Rock(s) Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/24/2013 - 13:41

The Needles/Needle Rock(s) Station (N41 09 50.0 W111 02 57.0) (P)

Located (NE1/4NW1/4 Section 21, Township 5 North, Range 8 East, Salt Lake Meridian.) just on the Utah side of the border with Wyoming, it lies on Yellow Creek, almost 10 miles south of the town of Evanston, approximately 8 miles from Bear River Station, Wyoming.

Echo Canyon Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/24/2013 - 13:47

(Head of) Echo Canyon Station (N41 07 28.0 W111 11 15.0) (P)

Head of Echo Canyon or Castle Rock Station site (BLM 1978) 

Location: Lot 3, Section 6, Township 4 North, Range 7 East, Salt Lake Meridian.  

About 8 miles from Needle Rock Station, this station, the first in Echo Canyon, was named for the large sandstone formation located near the site. The station, made of logs, was sold to a French trapper and moved a mile away in 1867. The station site is located approximately where the old Castle Rock grocery store now stands.

Carson House Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/24/2013 - 14:06

Bauchmann’s/Carson House Station/East Canyon Station/Wheaton Springs Station (N40 51 23.8 W111 35 20.8) (NM?) (P)

Location: SE1/4NE1/4 Section 5, Township 1 North, Range 3 East, Salt Lake Meridian, approximately 8 miles from East Canyon, it was a stop for both the Pony Express and the stagecoach. It was the 6th contract station in Utah. The station was also known as East Canyon and Carson House Station, or sometimes as Dutchman’s Flat by riders who could not remember the name of the German, Bauchmann. 

Mountain Dale Station

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/24/2013 - 14:13

Mountain Dell/Dale/Ephraim Hanks Station (N40 46 52.8 W111 40 58.8) 

Location: NE1/4SW1/4 Section 33, Township 1 North, Range 2 East, Salt Lake Meridian, about 8¾ miles from Wheaton Springs. A vandalized monument in the NW1/4 of the NW1/4 of Section 36 presently marks the location of the assumed station site.

EAST CANYON STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/24/2013 - 14:18

Identified in the 1861 mail contract, local people also knew East Canyon Station as Dixie Hollow, Dixie Creek, Bauchmanns, and Snyder's Mill. Mr. Bauchmann and James McDonald managed station operations at the stone structure. Travelers and sheepherders used the station site as late as 1881. Today, the East Canyon Reservoir covers the historic site.  Bishop and Henderson listed East Canyon as a station between Wheaton Springs and Mountain Dale. 

UPPER SWEETWATER/SOUTH PASS STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 01:04

Sources refer to this site as either Upper Sweetwater or South Pass Station but generally they agree on its identity as a station.  Two French-Canadians managed station operations at South Pass, near the Continental Divide.  Franzwa indicates South Pass in his Oregon Trail maps and specifically identifies Upper Sweetwater Pony Express Station several miles northeast of the pass. http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs6a.htm#81

Rock Creek Station, Wyoming - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 01:11

Several sources list Rock Creek as a station, which also appears on the 1861 contract. However, these sources disagree about its exact location.  Bishop and Henderson place the station between Rocky Ridge (after Warm Springs) and Upper Sweetwater/South Pass.  Since Franzwa also places a Pony Express station named Strawberry Station between Rocky Ridge and Upper Sweetwater, it was probably the same site.  The Settles identify Rock Creek as a station between Warm Springs and South Pass, while Pierson lists it between St. Mary's and Rocky Ridge.

PACIFIC SPRINGS STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 09:44

Pacific Springs is identified as a station in several sources.  Located approximately two miles west of the Continental Divide, Pacific Springs served as a relay station for both stage lines and the Pony Express.  Franzwa lists Pacific Springs in his Oregon Trail maps, but he does not identify it as any type of station.  The British traveler, Richard Burton, in his narrative mentioned that the stage road crossed Pacific Creek two miles below Pacific Springs, and no doubt Pony Express riders followed the same path.

Big Sandy Station, Wyoming - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 09:54

Big Sandy Station (N42 06 34.4 W109 27 00.7)  Located 13 miles from Little Sandy Station and 15 miles from Big Timber Station at west edge of the town of Farson and east of Big Sandy Creek. It was burned by Indians in 1862. The Sandy and Little Sandy flow past on the west and south.

http://www.expeditionutah.com/featured-trails/pony-express-trail/wyoming-pony-express-stations/

Ham’s Fork Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 12:24

Ham’s Fork Station (N41 35 24.8 W109 58 09.9)  

Located 20 miles from Green River Station and 20 miles from Millersville Station at the west boundary of the present day town of Granger (where Ham’s Fork flows into the Green River). David Louis was Station Tender. Michael Martin’s Station was between Green River Station and Ham’s Fork Station and Church Buttes Station was between Ham’s Fork Station and Millersville Station. The Granger Pony Express Station was located off US30 just west of Little America on I80. Ruins and a monument now mark the location. 

Green River (Crossing) Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 12:44

Point plotted at the Lombard Ferry Oregon Train Interpretive Center 

Located 15 miles from Big Timber Station and 20 miles from Ham’s Fork Station on the west bank of Green River above the mouth of Big Sandy Creek. McCarthy was Station Tender. 

http://www.expeditionutah.com/featured-trails/pony-express-trail/wyoming-pony-express-stations/

MICHAEL MARTIN'S STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 12:57

Several notable sources identify Michael Martin's as a station, including Gregory Franzwa, who places it on his Oregon Trail maps as approximately ten or so miles southwest of Green River Station. Michael Martin, a French-Canadian, managed station operations at his trading post, where he sold a wide variety of items.  Richard Burton mentions that Michael Martin had a store there, and that in 1860 his stage stopped there for a short rest, making it highly likely that the Pony Express stopped there.  However, Bishop and Henderson point out that the 1861 U. S.

Millersville Station/Jack Robinson’s Trading Post - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 13:01

 (N41 23 24.0 W110 12 31.0) The station received its name from A. B. Miller, a partner of William Russell and William Waddell. Located 20 miles from Ham’s Fork Station and 12 miles from Fort Bridger. Reported to have been at or near where the old Emigrant Road crossed Smith’s Fork. This was formerly Jack Robinson’s Trading Post and the Station Tender was Holmes. An early stage station named for a well known stage driver.

CHURCH BUTTE(S) STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 13:05

James Pierson lists Church Buttes as a relay station, while Gregory Franzwa mentions the Church Butte Stage Station, but makes no connection between it and the Pony Express.  Bishop and Henderson note that the 1861 U. S. mail contract does not list Church Butte as a station.

http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs6a.htm#90

Fort Bridger - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 13:14

Fort Bridger (N41 24 08.2 W110 14 19.0) 

Named after Jim Bridger. The first owner of the fort was perhaps the most picturesque figure in early Wyoming. He was often called the ‘Daniel’ Boone of the Rockies. Fort Bridger, which he built and Bridger’s Pass, which he discovered were named for him. This historical fort has several interesting old buildings still standing; the old pony express barn and the Mormon protective wall are still in existence there, and fitting ceremonies will make this site one of the landmarks for history. 

Sweetwater Station (N42 29 53.0 W107 06 49.0) - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sat, 06/22/2013 - 13:14

Located 12 miles from Horse Creek Station, 6 miles from Devil’s Gate Station and 12 miles from Plant’s Station on north bank of the Sweetwater River and just south of the old Emigrant Road. Independence Rock is about one mile west. http://www.expeditionutah.com/featured-trails/pony-express-trail/wyoming-pony-express-stations/

Devil’s (Devils) Gate Station (N42 26 26.0 W107 12 48.0) - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sat, 06/22/2013 - 13:27

This station was not mentioned in the 1861 Overland Mail Contract. Located 6 miles from Sweetwater Pony Express Station and 6 miles from Plant’s Station. 

The Pony Express Route and the Oregon Trail are the same through this part of Wyoming. Split Rock Station and Devil’s Gate Station are located one “Oregon Trail Day” apart. 

Plant’s/Plante Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sat, 06/22/2013 - 13:34

Located 12 miles from Sweetwater Pony Express Station, 6 miles from Devil’s Gate Station and 12 miles from Split Rock Station about 400 feet south of the Sweetwater River. The Station Tender was Plant and was probably the same Plant who was Tender at Split Rock. Believed that Sweetwater and Plant’s Stations were abandoned and that two Station Tenders with the same name was further evidence of the abandonment of Plant’s Station.

Split Rock Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sat, 06/22/2013 - 13:39

From South Pass, the Pony Express Trail followed the Sweetwater River northeastward to Split Rock Station which was located 65 miles north of Rawlins on US287 heading for Lander. Located 12 miles from Plant’s Station and 14 miles from Three Crossings Station. The Station Tender was Plant or Plante. Split Rock Relay Station was a crude log structure with a pole corral and was located on the south side of the Sweetwater River.  

Rocky Ridge/St. Mary’s Stage Station (N42 28 41.0 W108 21 41.0) - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sat, 06/22/2013 - 13:44

Located 12 miles from Warm Springs Station and 12 miles from Rock Creek Station on east side of Silver Creek. Known by many as St. Mary’s Station. This was a Home Station and William Reid was Station Tender. The site of St. Mary’s Stage Station, also called Rocky Ridge Station because of a cliff near by, is marked with a stone tablet. The station was built in 1859 by Russell, Majors and Waddell, and when the transcontinental telegraph line was established in 1861, St. Mary’s was made a depot.

Three Crossings Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sat, 06/22/2013 - 13:55

Three Crossings on the Sweetwater River, so called because the trail crossed the stream three times within ¼ mile. Located 14 miles from Split Rock Station and 12 miles from Ice Springs Station south of the Sweetwater River. A telegraph and stage station of the 1860′s, it was to this station in 1860 that Bill Cody, 15 year-old Pony Express carrier, rode from Red Buttes on the Platte, 76 miles away. There he found that the rider of the 85-miles stretch to Rocky Ridge had been killed.

WARM SPRINGS STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 00:58

Several sources identify Warm Springs as a station and Gregory Franzwa specifically names Warm Springs as a Pony Express site. He locates it on the Seminoe Cutoff from the Oregon Trail.

http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs6a.htm#78

Located 12 miles from Ice Springs Station and 12 miles from Rocky Ridge Station (St. Mary’s Station) above the warm sulphur springs.

La Bonte/La Bonte Stage Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 10:19

It is located 15 miles from Elk Horn Station and 10 miles from Bed Tick Station. Also, a creek and town in Converse County, Wyoming, named for La Bonte (Labonte, LaBonte), an early French trapper. He was a trapper with “Uncle Dick” Woolston’s party in 1838 was killed in Utah. The Indians after killing this noted character, cut flesh from the bones and ate it. La Bonte belonged in Wyoming and had lived for a number of years on the North Platte in what is now Converse County.

Deer Creek Station, Wyoming - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 10:40

Located just east of present Glenrock, Wyoming, Deer Creek Station, on the route of the Oregon Trail, served as a Pony Express Station prior to its designation as a telegraph station in 1861. According to one early telegraph operator, “Deer Creek was 100 miles west of Fort Laramie, and 28 miles east of where Casper was later situated. It is located 10 miles from Box Elder Station and 10 miles from Bridger Station on the west bank of Deer Creek. The station was owned and operated by an Indian Trader by the name of Bisonette, who was Station Keeper for a while.

Little Muddy Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 11:28

Plotted on Muddy Creek

Raymond and Mary Settle, noted historians and experts on the Pony Express, and one other source identify Little Muddy as the next station west of Deer Creek Station.  The stone station, erected without mortar, reportedly stood ten miles west of Deer Creek.  However, its exact location has not been identified.  http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs6a.htm#66

Bridger Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 11:34

Named after Jim Bridger, as was Fort Bridger and Bridger. Located 10 miles from Deer Creek Station and 15 miles from North Platte Station west of Muddy Creek and north of the Old Emigrant Trail. Bridger Station Post Office was established on July 15, 1869 in Carter County. Edward D. Titus was the postmaster. It was discontinued on October 10, 1871.  http://www.expeditionutah.com/featured-trails/pony-express-trail/wyoming-pony-express-stations/

Red Buttes Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 11:49

Located 10 miles from North Platte Station and 12 miles from Willow Springs Station about 200 feet southwest of the Red Buttes Oregon Trail Marker and south of the old Goose Egg Ranch house. Red Buttes Pony Express Station was located on a ridge overlooking the North Platte River at Bessemer Bend. Explorers, fur traders, mountain men and emigrants camped at this site. Although the main route of the Oregon Trail was located a few miles north of this site, many emigrant travelers crossed the North Platte River here for the last time on their trek to the west.

MACHETTE'S STATION (GOTHENBURG) - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Thu, 06/13/2013 - 00:51

The identity and location of Machette's Station remains controversial. Local tradition places the site on the Williams' Upper 96 Ranch, four miles east of Fort McPherson in Lincoln County, Nebraska. Up until 1931, there was a two-story log cabin and a blacksmith shop linked to this site. However, in 1931 the American Legion Post No. 64 dismantled the main two-story log structure from the original site and moved the log building to Gothenburg City Park, where it was reassembled into a one-story building.

COLD SPRINGS/SPRING RANCH/TORRINGTON STATION, Wyoming - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 14:30

A number of sources identify Cold Springs as a Pony Express station,  and give the location of this site as being about two miles southeast of Torrington, Wyoming.  It should be noted that the site of this station also served as the grounds for the signing of the Horse Creek Treaty.  A French-Canadian trader named Reynal managed operations at Spring Ranch with his Indian wife and daughter. Pawnees had held him prisoner in his younger days as a trader and later adopted him as a tribal son.

VERDLING'S RANCH/BORDEAUX/BEDEAU'S RANCH/FORT BENARD STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 14:39

According to Merrill Mattes, Verdling's Ranch Station is probably eight miles from Fort Laramie and two miles west of Lingle, Wyoming.  James Bordeaux (spelled various ways), probably a French-Canadian, managed a trading post/store at the station and his association with the site was responsible for some of the many names for this station.  Other sources also list Verdling's Ranch or Bedeau's Ranch as a station.

http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs5d.htm#55

FORT LARAMIE STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 14:43

Sources generally agree on the identity of a Pony Express station at Fort Laramie.  However, the exact location of the station at or near Fort Laramie remains unknown. Nevertheless, the well-known fort's distance from stations at Sand Point and Verling's Ranch makes the area just west of the post a logical station site.  Fort Laramie's adobe-stone sutler's store, which still exists, housed a post office in the 1850s, 1870s, and 1880s. Its status during the Pony Express era remains unknown.

NINE MILE/SAND POINT/WARD'S/CENTRAL STAR STATION, Wyoming - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 14:58

This site is nine miles west of Fort Laramie.  Sources identify this station by several names, including Nine Mile Station, Sand Point, Ward's, and Central Star.  Sand Point served as a both relay station for the Pony Express and stage lines.  According to Gregory Franzwa, in the 1840s, Ward and Guerrier operated the Sand Point Trading Post at the site, and then in the 1850s, Jules E. Coffee, managed a stage station here. As late as 1990, a Pony Express and stage station marker identified the site area.

HORSESHOE CREEK/HORSESHOE STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 15:13

This site, known as Horseshoe or Horseshoe Creek, served as the last station in Division Two of the Pony Express. Division Superintendent Joseph A. Slade lived at Horseshoe Creek with his wife, Molly, and family.  Several sources identify Horseshoe Creek as a Pony Express station.

http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs5d.htm#59

Cottonwood Station, Wyoming - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 15:26

Several sources identify Cottonwood as a station between Nine Mile Station (Ward's) and Horseshoe Creek.  However, Helen Henderson asserts that there were two Cottonwood Stations in the area. According to Henderson, the oldest of the two stations, which was one-half mile from the Badger railroad station, served as the Pony Express station. Cottonwood Creek is often mentioned in diaries and journals of pioneers and military men, as well as the itineraries of stage and Pony Express routes.

COTTONWOOD SPRINGS STATION, Nebraska - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 11:14

The Cottonwood Springs Pony Express station site, may have been on the east side of Cottonwood Creek where a monument stood as late as 1960. The station, also known as McDonald's Ranch, served previously as a stop for the Leavenworth and Pike's Peak Express Company stage line as well.  Most sources do not dispute the identity of Cottonwood Springs as a station.  In 1864, Eugene F. Ware described a two-story log structure at Cottonwood Springs, which could have served as the site of Cottonwood Station.

Alkali Lake Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 12:07

Point plotted approximately 2 miles SW of Paxton  

Many historical resources link Alkali Lake Station with the Pony Express. The Alkali Lake Station site is possibly two miles southwest of Paxton, in Keith County, Nebraska. Sources generally agree on its name as Alkali Lake.  In the 1861 Overland Mail Company contract, the station was unnamed.  Merrill Mattes and Paul Henderson believe that Alkali Lake Station served as a home station for the Pony Express. 

GILL'S/SAND HILL STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 12:16

Point plotted at Tri Trails Park, about one and one half miles south of Ogallala

Little is currently known about the Gill's/Sand Hill Station site. This site is reportedly in Keith County about one and one-half miles south of Ogallala, Nebraska. The 1861 Overland Mail Company contract identified the site as Gill's, while other sources called it Sand Hill Station. 

http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs5a.htm#39

JULESBURG STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 13:00

This site is probably located one and one-half miles southeast of Ovid, in Sedgwick County, Colorado. Sources generally agree on the location of the Julesburg Station site and its identity as a Pony Express and stage station.  On the L. & P.P. Express Co. station list, it was probably called Upper Crossing, South Platte or Morrell's Crossing. In 1859, Jules Reni established a trading post at the site and served as stationkeeper for the Pike's Peak stage line and the Pony Express.

POLE CREEK NO. 3 STATION

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 23:04

The Pole Creek No. 3 Station site was likely about three and one-half miles east of Sidney, Nebraska, in Cheyenne County.  According to Mattes and Henderson, the station's log and sod dugout once stood on the north side of Lodgepole Creek, which flowed through the St. George Cattle Ranch. For a time, Rouliette and Pringle operated the site as a stage ranch, near the intersection of the old California Road and stage routes heading for the North Platte and Bridger Pass.  Other sources also identify Pole Creek No. 3 as a station.

POLE CREEK NO. 2 STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 23:10

The exact location of Pole Creek No. 2 Station site remains unknown. The name occurs in the 1861 Overland Mail Company contract, and Mattes and Henderson place the station along Lodgepole Creek near the town of Lodgepole, about halfway between Nine Mile Creek and Pole Creek No. 3. Trail historians Mattes and Henderson also suggest a possible connection between this site and another, that was later occupied in 1865 by E. Farrell.  Several other sources also list Pole Creek No. 2 as a station.

MUD SPRINGS STATION: NR 4/24/73, 73001068 - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 23:40

The Mud Springs Station is well documented and it has been well researched by several authors. Nevertheless, its exact location is in dispute. This site is possibly located about twelve miles southeast of Bridgeport, Nebraska, in Morrill County.  Sources generally agree on its identity as a home station for the C.O.C. & P.P. Express Co.  James McArdle served as stationkeeper for the Pony Express and stage lines, which probably shared the same sod structures. Mud Springs also later served as a telegraph relay station.

MIDWAY STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 23:46

This supposed site is presumably on State Highway 285 and U.S. 385, about three miles south and one mile west of Gurley, Nebraska. The site does not occur in official records, but would serve as a logical place for a relay station between Pole Creek No. 3 and Mud Springs. In 1960, Mattes and Henderson identify Midway as a station between Pole Creek No. 3 and Mud Springs, and noted that evidence of structures existed at the site.  In 1866, Margaret Carrington, an officer's wife, noted that the mail station received water from a "government well" at the site.  Mrs.

COURT HOUSE (ROCK) STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 23:58

From Mud Springs, Pony Express riders followed a route that passed through Pumpkin Seed Crossing and southwest of the Court House Rock formation, where the Pony Express station was located.  This site is five miles south and one and one-fourth miles west of Bridgeport, Nebraska. Most sources generally agree on its identity as a C.O.C. & P.P. Express Co. station.

http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs5c.htm#49

CHIMNEY ROCK STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 00:02

Trail historians generally agree that Chimney Rock was a Pony Express station,  however, the exact location of this site is still unclear. Two traditional sources place the station between the Chimney Rock formation and the river: one places the station at Facus Springs, nine miles northwest of Bridgeport, while the other source locates it two miles south and one mile west of Bayard, Nebraska.

http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs5c.htm#50

FICKLIN'S SPRINGS STATION

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 00:24

 This site is reportedly one mile west of Melbeta, Nebraska in Scotts Bluff County. The 1861 Overland Mail Company contract listed the site as an unnamed Pony station, later named for Benjamin F. Ficklin, superintendent of the entire Pony Express route.  Other sources also identify Ficklin's Springs as a station. 

SCOTT'S BLUFF(S) STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 00:32

This site is probably near or at the old Fort Mitchell (1864-1868) site, twelve miles west of Ficklin's Springs and about two and one-half miles northwest of Mitchell Pass, near a bend of the North Platte River.  Even though Mabel Loving and Roy Bloss identify Fort Mitchell as a station after Scott's Bluff, other sources generally link the two sites but differ on its function as a relay or home station.  The Oregon Trail Memorial Association placed a granite site marker with their circular bronze Pony Express motif near the North Platte bridge, which stood as late as 1960.

HORSE CREEK STATION, Nebraska - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 00:43

The Horse Creek Station site is most likely located on the west bank of Horse Creek, about two miles northeast of Lyman, in Scotts Bluff County. The station served as a stop for the Pony Express.  Several sources identify Horse Creek as a station, which, according to Mattes, possibly also served at one time as the site of Joseph Robidoux's second trading post.

http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs5c.htm#53

Garden Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 13:14

General area maybe six miles from Elk Creek

The exact identity and location of this site remains unknown. Mattes and Henderson place the station in Phelps County, about six miles southwest of Elm Creek. Mattes later lists the site as six miles southeast of Elm Creek.

WILLOW ISLAND/WILLOW BEND STATION - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 13:28

Point plotted about 6 miles SE of Cozad 

The Willow Island or Willow Bend Station site is most likely in Dawson County, Nebraska, approximately six miles southeast of Cozad. Sources generally agree on its identity as the Willow Island an/or Willow Bend Station.  Some sources associate Pat Mullaly's Ranch with Willow Island Ranch or Station.  R. C. Freeman conducted ranch operations after Mullaly. 

In 1866 the station's structures included an adobe house, stables, and a frame store.  

Rock House Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 12:49

The Rock House Station, which was located in Jefferson County, served as a stop for stagecoaches, Pony Express riders, and weary travelers.  The Rock House Station was situated about three miles northeast of Steele City, where the Oketo cut-off merged with the main route.  Bishop and Henderson identify this first relay station in Nebraska as Rock House on their map of the Pony Express trail, while other sources suggest Caldwell and Otoe as alternative names.

Rock Creek Station, Nebraska - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 13:00

Sources generally agree about the identity of this site as a relay station, but they do not concur about its exact location.  In 1859, David McCandles or McCanles erected a toll bridge and log structure, which later served as the relay station, on the east side of the creek. The hewn-log building had an outside-accessible attic and stone fireplace and measured 36 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 8 feet high at the eaves.  The Rock Creek Station has an interesting history.

Big Sandy Station, Nebraska - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 13:22

This site is reportedly about three miles east of Alexandria, in Jefferson County. Sources generally agree about its identity as a Pony Express station, with stagecoaches stopping there as well.  Dan Patterson owned and operated the site as a home station until 1860, when he sold it to Asa and John Latham. History also associates the Daniel Ranch, a post office, and the Ed Farrell Ranch with the Big Sandy Station. http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs4c.htm

Millersville Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 13:38

This site, known as Millersville or Thompson's, is about two miles north of Hebron, in Thayer County.  George B. Thompson acted as the stationkeeper for Pony Express operations at this station, and the station was named after him.  As late 1960, Nebraska Monument No. 11, erected in 1912, stood near the site, about five miles southwest of Alexandria, on the east side of the county road.

Kiowa Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 13:50

This site is reportedly about ten miles northwest of Hebron, in Thayer County. Kiowa served as a stop for both the Pony Express and for both the L. & P.P. Express Co. and C.O.C. & P.P. Express Co. stagecoaches. Jim Douglas managed the station operations.  Sources generally agree on the identity of this station.  http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/poex/hrs/hrs4c.htm

Oak Grove Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 14:05

Sources disagree about the identity and location of this site in Nuckolls County, Nebraska. According to the 1861 mail contract with the Overland Mail Company, an unnamed station existed in the area. Several sources identify the station as Little Blue, but Mattes and Henderson suggest that Little Blue existed later as a separate stage station, four miles northwest of Oak Grove. 

Liberty Farm Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 14:15

This site is generally acknowledged to be located on the north bank of the Little Blue River, a half-mile northeast of Deweese, in Clay County.  In 1859, 0. Allen, in his Guide Book and Map to the Gold Fields of Kansas and Nebraska mentioned Liberty Farm as a U. S. mail station. Allen stated it was at the "Jct. of Ft. Riley Road 19 miles from Oak Grove, U. S. mail station No. 12, 1 1/2 miles east of this place."  Sources generally agree on its identity as a Pony Express home station, and that it was then managed by James Lemmons and Charles Emory.  L. & P.P. Express Co. and C.O.C.

Thirty Two Mile Creek Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 14:26

This site is probably about six miles southeast of Hastings in Adams County. Many sources agree on its identity and location as a stage stop for the L. & P.P. Express Co. and C.O.C. & P.P. Express Co. and as a relay station for the Pony Express.  George A. Comstock served as stationkeeper of the long, one-story building, named after the distance between it and Fort Kearney. In August 1864, Comstock abandoned the station, which Indians later burned to the ground.  

Fort Kearney Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 14:50

Since Fort Kearney was a stage stop on the L. & P.P. Express Co. and C.O.C. & P.P. Express Co. lines, it is likely that Russell, Majors, and Waddell also used this site as a Pony Express station.  Other sources list Fort Kearney as a station or stopping place for Pony Express riders.  Mattes and Henderson express doubt that Fort Kearney ever served as an official Pony Express station. Privately owned businesses were not granted space on U.S. military bases. However, Pony Express riders possibly stopped at Fort Kearney to service the mail needs of the military.

Sand Hill Station, Nebraska - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 15:06

This site is probably located one and one-half miles south of Kenesaw.  Franzwa suggests "probable" and "possible" sites for Sand Hill or Summit Station.  Sand Hill and Summit remain the most popular names for this probable relay station and stage stop, but sources also identify it as Water Hole and Fairfield.  Mabel Loving and Roy Bloss refer to Fairfield as the next station after Summit (Sand Hill).  However, Mattes and Henderson suggest that the Fairfield, identified by Pony Express rider William Campbell, is the same as Sand Hill or Summit.  

Overland Coach Stations in Chapter 2 of Roughing It

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 13:53

I have started mapping significant Mark Twain locations from his book Roughing It. The first chapter is merely a dismal riverboat ride from St. Louis to St. Joseph Missouri. I made my first attempt at animated mapping in the video for that chapter. But Chapter 2 has Sam traveling the Overland Stagecoach line out of St. Joseph, across Kansas.  He does not mention any stations by name but does say they stop every ten miles or so. My Googling around for information on these stations led to listings of the Pony Express Stations.

Troy Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 01:08

Various sources indicate that this site is located within the town of Troy. A monument in the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn notes the existence of the relay station. Some authors list the monument's location as the possible site of the station, but later research links the station with the Smith Hotel.  Leonard Smith arrived in Troy in 1858 and purchased the Troy Hotel. Two years later, at the request of the C.O.C. & P.P. Express Co., he constructed a barn large enough for five horses.

Lewis or Cold Spring Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 01:31

L.C. Bishop and Paul Henderson named and mapped Louis as a station between Troy and Kennekuk.  Lewin suggests that Lewis (also spelled Louis) was possibly the same as the Cold Spring Ranch Station. The Lewis Station and Cold Spring Station were located the same distance between Troy and Kennekuk. Lewin identifies the station as part of the Cold Spring Ranch near Syracuse.  However, one local history resource placed the station on North Independence Creek.  According to Raymond and Mary Settle, a mother and her four children lived at the relay station as cooks and stock tenders.

Kennekuk Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 10:38

Merrill Mattes and Paul Henderson, experts on the Pony Express trail in this area, designate Kennekuk as the first home station from St. Joseph.  Most other sources agree on the name but not the exact location of this station. Mattes and Henderson place it approximately forty-four miles along the trail.  Another source states that the Kennekuk Station stood approximately thirty-nine miles from the beginning of the trail.

Seneca Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 10:53

Sources generally agree about Seneca Station's location and identity as an early Pony Express home station, also known as the the Smith Hotel.  John Smith managed station operations at the hotel, located on the corner of present-day Fourth and Main Streets. Smith entered the hotel business in 1858, and his two- story white hotel also served as a restaurant, school, and residence.  Additional sources also identify Seneca as an overland stage station.

Guittard Station - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 11:55

Sources generally agree on the identification of Guittard's Station as a Pony Express and stage stop.  In late 1860, Burton saw the Pony Express rider arrive at Guittard's Station. Burton described the station as a "clump of board houses on the far side of a shady, well-wooded creek—the Vermillion, a tributary of the Big Blue River, so called from its red sandstone bottom, dotted with granitic [sic] and porphyritic boulders."

Marysville, KS - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 12:01

After crossing some prairie country, the next stop was Marysville, which also was known as Palmetto City. According to the Englishman Richard Burton, it was a town that thrived "by selling whiskey to ruffians of all descriptions."  Sources generally concur on its identity as a station, but disagree on its status as a home or relay station.  In 1859, Joseph H. Cottrell and Hank Williams contracted with Russell, Majors, and Waddell to build and lease a livery stable as a home station. Riders stayed at the nearby American Hotel, which was north of the livery stable.

Cottonwood Station, Kansas - Pony Express

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 12:09

Sources generally agree on its location and identity as a relay station and a stage station.  The station, constructed as a ranch house in 1857, was known as both Hollenberg and Cottonwood because Gerat Hollenberg managed the station operations near Cottonwood Creek. The station served as the last Pony Express stop in Kansas. Hollenberg's station also supplied emigrants with food, clothing, livestock, and a place to rest themselves and their horses. The relay station is possibly the only unaltered Pony Express building on an original site.  It also served as a stagecoach stop on the C.O.C.

St. Louis, MO

Submitted by scott on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 13:16

"We were six days going from St. Louis to "St. Jo."--a trip that was so dull, and sleepy, and eventless that it has left no more impression on my memory than if its duration had been six minutes instead of that many days.