April 3, 1010 is the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express, which lasted just 19 months, but remains an enduring symbol of the American West.

The United States was comprised of 33 states and 31 million people when the Pony Express inaugurated its 10-day express mail service between St. Joseph, Missouri and San Francisco. In the beginning, it cost $5 to send a half-ounce letter. This was at a time when common laborers received 90 cents for a 12-hour work day and farmland averaged $3 to $5 an acre.

The Central Overland California & Pikes Peak Express Company, which managed the Pony Express service, purchased approximately 400 horses, from thoroughbreds to mustangs, at prices that ranged up to $200 – an expensive price at the time.

Although they are popularly portrayed at a gallop, Pony Express horses averaged 10 miles per hour during their eight to 10 mile segments of the route and unless in harm’s way were ridden at a lope.

Riders were generally young and built like racehorse jockeys. Company advertisements solicited: “Young, skinny, wiry fellows. Not over 18. Must be expert riders. Willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.”

Riders were paid $100 a month. They traveled 80 to 100 miles during each circuit and were provided with a fresh horse every eight to ten miles.

The end of the Pony Express came on October 24, 1861, when the first message was sent (to President Abraham Lincoln) via the Transcontinental Telegraph.

Check out 150 Years Later on NPR for more facts and links on the Pony Express.