Pony Express Division Two – Fort Kearny to Horseshoe Creek

The vast American West, a landscape of sprawling plains, towering mountains, and unforgiving deserts, presented a formidable challenge to communication in the mid-19th century. As settlers pushed westward, the need for rapid communication between the East and West Coasts became paramount. The answer, albeit a short-lived one, was the Pony Express, a daring and innovative mail delivery system that captured the imagination of a nation. This article will delve into Division Two of the Pony Express, tracing its route from Fort Kearny, Nebraska, to Horseshoe Creek, Wyoming, and highlighting the various stations that dotted this crucial segment of the legendary trail.

The Pony Express, officially operating for only 18 months between April 1860 and October 1861, remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. Its mission was simple: to deliver mail between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California, in approximately ten days. This ambitious goal required a network of relay stations, brave riders, and a relentless commitment to speed. The entire route was divided into several divisions, each responsible for a specific segment of the trail.

Division Two of the Pony Express encompassed a significant portion of the overall route, stretching from Fort Kearny in Nebraska westward to Horseshoe Creek Station in Wyoming. This division was not merely a geographical designation; it represented a microcosm of the challenges and triumphs of the entire Pony Express operation. The route traversed the High Plains, a landscape characterized by its vastness, scarcity of water, and the constant threat of inclement weather and encounters with Native American tribes.

The path of Pony Express Division Two – Fort Kearny to Horseshoe Creek began at Fort Kearny, a vital military outpost established in 1848 to protect travelers along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. From this strategic starting point, the route ventured westward through what is now western Nebraska, dipping briefly into Colorado before returning to Nebraska and ultimately crossing into eastern Wyoming. This extensive segment included over 30 relay stations, each playing a critical role in maintaining the speed and efficiency of the Pony Express.

It’s important to note that Pony Express Division Two – Fort Kearny to Horseshoe Creek followed a route that largely overlapped with the established Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. This shared pathway meant that Pony Express riders often encountered wagon trains and other travelers, sharing the same risks and challenges of the frontier. However, the Pony Express riders, with their light loads and swift horses, were able to cover far greater distances in a single day than the plodding wagon trains.

Nebraska: A Tapestry of Stations

The Nebraska portion of Division Two was densely populated with relay stations, each serving as a crucial link in the chain of communication. These stations, often simple structures made of logs or sod, provided fresh horses and a brief respite for the weary riders.

• Seventeen Mile/Platte Station: This station, established earlier as a stagecoach stop by the Leavenworth & Pike’s Peak Express Company, served as the first relay point after Fort Kearny. Its precise location is believed to be about five miles southeast of present-day Odessa, Nebraska.
• Garden Station: The exact location and even the name of this station remain somewhat uncertain. It was also known as Shakespeare’s, Sydenham’s Ranche, Biddleman’s Ranch, and Platte Stage Station. The 1861 Overland Mail Company contract listed the station as Garden. Sadly, this important location was destroyed by fire in 1865.
• Plum Creek Station: Located approximately ten miles southeast of Lexington, Nebraska, Plum Creek Station was a vital relay point. The site was also home to Daniel Freeman’s trading post. The station saw its share of violence; attacks by Native Americans led to the establishment of a small military garrison. A cabin from the Plum Creek Pony Express Station can be seen in the city park in Lexington, Nebraska. About five miles south of the station occurred the Plum Creek Massacre.
• Willow Island/Willow Bend Station: Situated about six miles southeast of Cozad, Nebraska, this station began as a trading post in 1849. The original log cabin was moved to Cozad Park and is preserved at the Robert Henry Museum and Walkway.
• Cold Water/Midway Ranch Station: This station was likely located four miles south of Gothenburg. Its name "Midway" reflected its position roughly halfway between Atchison and Denver. A log cabin, believed by some to be an original Pony Express structure, stands on the Lower 96 Ranch and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, though its history remains somewhat debated.
• Gilman’s Station: The exact location of Gilman’s Station remains somewhat unclear, but it served as a relay station and stage stop.
• Machette’s Station (Gothenburg): The identity and location of Machette’s Station remains controversial. A two-story log cabin and a blacksmith shop once linked to this site. In 1931, the American Legion Post No. 64 dismantled the main two-story log structure from the original site. It moved the log building to Ehman Park in Gothenburg, where it was reassembled into a one-story building. Today, the cabin is used as a Pony Express Museum.
• Cottonwood Springs Station: Believed to be located about two miles west of Fort McPherson, this station also served as a stage stop.
• Cold Springs Station: This relay station was situated near Box Elder Creek, a few miles south and west of present-day North Platte.
• Fremont Springs Station: Possibly located about 1.5 miles south of Hershey, Nebraska, Fremont Springs Station was a home station and stage stop.
• O’Fallon’s Bluff/Dansey’s/Elkhorn Station: This station, utilized by the Leavenworth & Pike’s Peak Express Company, was probably about two miles south and four miles west of Sutherland. An interpretive area sits off eastbound I-80 at a rest area, telling the story of the Great Platte River Road.
• Alkali Lake Station: Located possibly two miles southwest of Paxton, Alkali Lake Station was thought to be a home station.
• Gill’s/Sand Hill Station: Little is known about this station site, reportedly located about one and one-half miles south of Ogallala, Nebraska.
• Diamond Springs Station: Located about a mile west of Brule, Diamond Springs Station was constructed in 1859. After the Pony Express ceased operation, it became a stage and freight station. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a monument marks its location.
• Beauvais Ranch Station: Geminian Pierre Beauvais established his trading post in 1849. It was one of the best-equipped ranches on the Overland Trail. The ranch was abandoned when the Union Pacific Railroad reached the vicinity in 1867. Today, it is an official archeological site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Colorado: A Brief Interlude

The Pony Express Division Two – Fort Kearny to Horseshoe Creek route briefly dipped into the territory of Colorado, encompassing two strategically important stations.

• Frontz’s/South Platte Station: This station, located two miles east of present-day Julesburg, served as a vital stop along the South Platte River.
• Julesburg Station: Situated about two miles southeast of Ovid, Colorado, Julesburg Station was a major hub for both the Pony Express and stagecoach lines. The station was run by Jules Beni, until his firing and eventual death by Jack Slade. The present-day city of Julesburg is situated about six miles northeast of the first Julesburg.

Return to Nebraska: Continuing Westward

After its brief foray into Colorado, Pony Express Division Two – Fort Kearny to Horseshoe Creek re-entered Nebraska, continuing its westward trajectory toward Wyoming.

• Nine Mile Station: Very little is known about this station, thought to have been located about two miles southeast of Chappell, Nebraska.
• Pole Creek No. 2 Station: The exact location of this station remains unknown, but it was likely situated along Lodgepole Creek near the town of Lodgepole.
• Pole Creek No. 3 Station: Located about 3.5 miles east of Sidney, Nebraska, this station was an important junction for various trails and routes.
• Midway Station: This station was identified as being located between Pole Creek No. 3 and Mud Springs.
• Mud Springs Station: Situated 5.5 miles north of Dalton, Nebraska, Mud Springs Station was a home station and a stage station. It was also the site of the Battle of Mud Springs in 1865. Today, the site is preserved as a memorial by the Nebraska State Historical Society.
• Court House (Rock) Station: Located five miles south and one-fourth miles west of Bridgeport, Nebraska, this station also served as a stage station.
• Chimney Rock Station: The exact location of this station is still unclear, but it was situated near the iconic Chimney Rock formation.
• Ficklin’s Springs Station: This station was located one mile west of Melbeta, Nebraska, and was later named for Benjamin F. Ficklin, superintendent of the Pony Express.
• Scott’s Bluff Station: Situated near the old site of Fort Mitchell, this station was located about 2.5 miles northwest of Mitchell Pass.
• Horse Creek Station: The Horse Creek Station site was most likely located on the west bank of Horse Creek, about two miles northeast of Lyman.

Wyoming: The Final Stretch

The final leg of Pony Express Division Two – Fort Kearny to Horseshoe Creek crossed into Wyoming, bringing the riders closer to their destination.

• Cold Springs/Spring Ranch/Torrington Station: Located two miles southeast of Torrington, Wyoming, this station also served as the grounds for the signing of the Horse Creek Treaty.
• Verdling’s Ranch/Bordeaux/Bedeau’s Ranch/ Fort Benard Station: This station was probably eight miles from Fort Laramie and two miles west of Lingle, Wyoming.
• Fort Laramie Station: While the exact location of the station at or near Fort Laramie remains unknown, its strategic importance is undeniable.
• Nine Mile/Sand Point/Ward’s/Central Star Station: Located nine miles west of Fort Laramie, this station was known by several names.
• Cottonwood Station: Situated between Nine Mile Station and Horseshoe Creek, Station Tender Hod Russell was killed here.
• Horseshoe Creek/Horseshoe Station: This station marked the end of Division Two of the Pony Express. Division Superintendent Joseph A. Slade lived here with his family. The location not only served as a Pony Express station but also served the stagecoach line and was an Overland Telegraph Station.

The route of Pony Express Division Two – Fort Kearny to Horseshoe Creek paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs of this ambitious undertaking. The stations, scattered across the vast landscape, served as vital links in the chain of communication, enabling riders to maintain their relentless pace. Though short-lived, the Pony Express left an indelible mark on American history, symbolizing the spirit of innovation, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of progress that defined the era.