St. Joseph, Missouri – Jumping Off To the West
"St. Joseph is a modern wonder – a city of 60,000 inhabitants, eleven railroads, 70 passenger trains each day, 170 factories, thirteen miles of the best-paved streets, the largest stockyards west of Chicago, a wholesale trade as large as that of Kansas City and Omaha combined…"
– Chicago Times, 1886
Nestled approximately 30 miles north of the bustling Kansas City metropolitan area lies the historic city of St. Joseph, Missouri. This vibrant locale holds a significant place in American history, serving as the eastern terminus of the legendary Pony Express and the final residence of the notorious outlaw Jesse James. St. Joseph, Missouri – Jumping Off To the West isn’t just a catchy title, it’s a testament to the city’s historical role.
Affectionately known as "St. Jo" by its residents, the city’s origins trace back to 1826. It was then that Joseph Robidoux, a prominent fur trader, established the Blacksnake Hills Trading Post, fostering trade relationships with various Native American tribes. Robidoux’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic location allowed him to develop a vast trading empire, stretching westward to the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains. In 1840, the area’s first post office was established within Robidoux’s trading post, further solidifying its importance. Following the Platte Purchase in 1837, Robidoux’s land became officially part of Missouri, paving the way for the trading post to evolve into a formal settlement. On November 20, 1843, this burgeoning community was officially incorporated as St. Joseph.
For several years, St. Joseph remained a relatively small settlement. However, the discovery of gold in California in 1849 triggered a massive wave of westward migration, fundamentally transforming the city. St. Joseph, Missouri – Jumping Off To the West soon became the vital last stop for pioneers before they embarked on their perilous journey into the untamed lands of the Wild West, primarily along the arduous Oregon Trail.
The city experienced a surge in population as thousands of settlers arrived via steamboats, eager to begin their overland journey. Wagon trains, laden with supplies and hopeful families, lined the streets, awaiting their turn to be ferried across the wide expanse of the Missouri River. Historical accounts estimate that as many as 50,000 pioneers passed through St. Joseph in 1849 alone. This influx of people and goods transformed the city into a bustling outpost and a rough-and-tumble frontier town. The covered wagons, sturdy oxen, and vast quantities of supplies purchased by the emigrants became the cornerstone of St. Joseph’s burgeoning economy. The strategic location of St. Joseph, Missouri – Jumping Off To the West was paramount for westward expansion.
In 1858, John Patee constructed the Patee House at the intersection of 12th and Penn Streets. With its 140 rooms, it was the most luxurious hotel west of the Mississippi River. This grand establishment quickly became a hub of activity and a symbol of St. Joseph’s growing prosperity. In 1860, the prominent transportation company, Russell, Majors, & Waddell, established their St. Joseph offices for the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company on the hotel’s first floor. This cemented the city’s importance in the westward movement. Today, the Patee House stands as a meticulously preserved museum of communications and transportation, featuring the restored Pony Express office. It offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s pivotal role in American history.
The city experienced additional growth in 1859 with the westward expansion of the railroad to St. Joseph. This further solidified its position as a crucial distribution point for goods destined for the West. Until after the Civil War, St. Joseph remained the westernmost point in the United States accessible by rail, underscoring its strategic importance. Furthermore, St. Joseph’s prime location along the Missouri River further contributed to its remarkable growth, facilitating trade and transportation.
The year 1860 marked a pivotal moment in St. Joseph’s history. The city became the headquarters and launching point for the legendary Pony Express. On April 3, 1860, the first successful Pony Express run commenced, with a lone rider on a bay mare galloping from Pike’s Peak Stables in St. Joseph, bound for Sacramento, California. This daring venture promised to revolutionize communication between the East and West coasts.
On that momentous day, Mayor M. Jeff Thompson delivered a rousing address at the Patee House, captivating the excited crowd gathered to witness the historic event. His words echoed the city’s pride and its role in connecting the nation:
"This is a great day in the history of St. Joseph. For more than a decade, she has been the portal through which passed the wagon trains for the great west… Now she is to become the connecting link between the extremes of the continents. For the first time in the history of America, mail will go by an overland route from east to west… Citizens of St. Joseph, I bid you three cheers for the Pony Express!"
Before the establishment of the Pony Express, railroads and telegraph lines extended no further west than St. Joseph. Mail delivery relied on stagecoaches and wagons, a journey that could take months, if it arrived at all. The Pony Express dramatically reduced delivery times, providing a much-needed boost to communication across the vast distances of the American West.
The Pony Express played a crucial role in maintaining California’s allegiance to the Union during the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War. By providing rapid communication between the two coasts, it helped to foster a sense of national unity. News of Abraham Lincoln’s election to the United States presidency in 1860 and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 reached California via the Pony Express, allowing the state to stay informed and connected to the rest of the nation.
Despite its success in improving communication, the Pony Express was a financial burden for its owners. The completion of the Pacific Telegraph Company’s line to San Francisco in October 1861 rendered the Pony Express obsolete. It declared bankruptcy and ceased operations. Today, the original Pony Express Stables stands at 914 Penn Street, serving as a museum dedicated to the legacy of this iconic enterprise.
By the 1870s, St. Joseph had solidified its position as the wholesale center for the burgeoning West. This period marked an era of unprecedented prosperity for the city. Numerous businesses flourished, and grand mansions were constructed, reflecting the wealth and optimism of the time.
In December 1881, the infamous outlaw Jesse James sought refuge in St. Joseph, adopting the alias Tom Howard to conceal his true identity. However, his life in St. Joseph was destined to be short-lived. On April 3, 1882, just three months after his arrival, Bob Ford fatally shot Jesse James in his home, bringing an end to the outlaw’s notorious career.
In 1887, St. Joseph achieved another milestone, becoming the second city in the United States to implement electric streetcars. Two years later, the city hosted the New Era Exposition, hoping to be selected as the site for a future World’s Fair. However, a devastating fire destroyed much of the fairgrounds, causing financial ruin for its primary backers and dashing any hopes of attracting a World’s Fair.
By the turn of the century, the great rush to the West had largely subsided. However, St. Joseph had already firmly established itself as a major livestock and wholesale market, cementing its place as a vital economic hub in the region. The legacy of St. Joseph, Missouri – Jumping Off To the West is still felt today.