Pony Express mail service’s 165th anniversary celebration begins  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Pony Express ran for less than two years, but the legacy of the then-revolutionary mail service lives on in St. Joseph. 

The Pony Express National Museum at 914 Penn St. is celebrating the 165th anniversary of Pony Express rider Johnny Fry leaving the stables on April 3, 1860, with special events through Sunday. 

“It was such a big task, and, you know, they were connecting the country from the east to the west,” Executive Director Cindy Daffron said. “I thought, you know, today we're connecting the citizens of our country to come visit a historical site and learn about what happened 165 years ago.” 

Thursday’s celebration started with the placement of Louis Killackey’s horseshoe on the Pony Express wall for his contributions to the museum. 

One attendee came for the celebration because of the historical significance of the Pony Express in his hometown of Wathena, Kansas. 

“That’s some of the early history in Doniphan County,” Glendon Hartman said. “And, of course, I used to teach, and that’s pretty important for children to know that about Johnny Fry and the other Pony Express riders.” 

Local boat restorer Greg Hatten, who had one of his projects on display at the Pony Express Museum earlier this year, will make an appearance on Sunday. 

“If you missed out on Greg Patton, he will be there on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.,” Daffron said. “I have the library open, first time ever the research and library center will be open.” 

Admission is free for the 165th-anniversary celebration that runs through April 6. Guest musicians will perform, and root beer floats will be available to purchase from Dick and Mignon’s Soda Shop. 

Marek’s Catering & Delicatessen will serve sandwiches on Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. 

“We hope you come take advantage of learning about historical sites that would have happened in America,” Daffron said. “It's an American icon.”