Additional activities concerning the Pony Express

Divide the students into groups of four and assign each group one topic listed below. Distribute copies of various books about the Pony Express to analyze and t prepare presentations.

Topic A Historical Background

  1. Who founded the Pony Express and when was it established?
  2. Why was the Pony Express established?
  3. What investments did the proprietors make to get the Pony Express in operation?

Topic B The Riders

  1. List three of the earliest riders.
  2. What was their base salary?
  3. What were their qualifications?
  4. What was the average speed of a rider, and how often did a rider change?

Topic C The Horse

  1. What type of horse was purchased and why?
  2. How often were the horses changed?
  3. Describe, explain, and provide a picture of the mochila (saddlebag).

Topic D The Station

Provide an overview of the following:

  1. General physical conditions of the structure
  2. Sleeping arrangements
  3. Food served at the stations
  4. Hospitality of station masters

Topic E The Route

  1. Use a map to point out the states than encompassed the 1,966 miles of the Pony Express.
  2. List the hardships the rider experienced along the route.

Topic F Termination of the Pony Express

  1. When did the Pony Express begin and end?
  2. Discuss the new method of technology that brought an end to it and explain why is was needed.

 

Resources--Elementary Books and Child Friendly Websites

They’re Off  by Cheryl Harness  published by Aladdin Paperbacks, 1996, 2002

Wanted A Few Bold Riders  by Darice Bailer published by Smithsonian,Institution 1997, 2005

Black Storm Comin’  by Diane Lee Wilson Aladdin Paperbacks (Simon and Schuster) 2005

Bronco Charlie and the Pony Express by Marlene T. Brill published by 1st Avenue Edition 2004

Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express  by Eleanor Coerr published by Scholastic, 1995

Websites:

Pony Express-Fastest Mail Across the West
www.legendsofamerica.com/WE-PonyExpress.html

The Pony Express: Riders of Destiny
www.historynet.com/the-pony-express-riders-of-destiny.htm

Pony Express for Kids
www.pocanticohill.org/ponyyexpress.htm

Pony Express National Museum, St. Joseph, Missouri
www.ponyexpress.org

Map of the Pony Express route
www.cprr.org/Museum/Maps/Pony_Express.html

Pony Express Rider, 1861
www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/ponyexpress.htm