St. Joseph begins renovations to historic Pony Express Monument
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- An iconic symbol of St. Joseph's history is getting a much-anticipated tune-up today in the form of a brand new statue base.
Contractors with Brooner Construction & Crane are on site in Downtown St. Joseph, replacing the 45-ton granite base that holds the bronze Pony Express Rider statue. The statue will be removed from the base during construction to allow a new 23-ton granite base to be installed.
The entire replacement process is expected to take place over one or two days, according to contractors and city officials. The pedestal is being replaced due to decades of exposure, which has caused micro-cracking and deterioration.
The statue was first constructed in 1938 and officially opened to the public in 1940. Just over $367,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds were allocated to make the project possible.
Between the monument’s historical significance to St. Joseph and the City Hall's centennial celebration set for 2027, a newly repaired statue will compliment a variety of planned Civic Center Park upgrades across the street, including extensive repairs to sidewalks, the fountain and the replacement of the west-facing park balustrade with a new stairwell.
