PONY EXPRESS TERRITORY, Nev. — In a powerful tribute to America’s 250th anniversary, the National Pony Express Association (NPEA) is participating in a special leg of the coast-to-coast American Discovery 250 Relay. Volunteer equestrians are carrying the official America 250 baton along the historic Pony Express Trail through Nevada’s rugged landscapes.
The Nevada segment highlights the state’s rich frontier history and natural beauty. Riders began the journey along historic Fort Churchill Road through the Carson River basin, passing Fort Churchill State Historic Park, where spectators gathered near the preserved adobe ruins to cheer them on.
Key highlights of the Nevada leg include:
- Friday, July 17: Participants walked from Ash Canyon to Carson City, gathering at the Nevada State Legislature building.
- Sunday, July 19 and Monday, July 20: Riders traveled the historic Pony Express Trail section from Highway 50 at Fort Churchill Road to Salt Wells. This portion honors two monumental sites:Fort Churchill, established in July 1860 as a U.S. Army post to protect settlers and the Pony Express route.Buckland Station, established in 1859 (current structure 1870), which served as an official Pony Express change station.
- Additional stops include Scout Camp, Hooten Wells, Top Gun, and Sand Mountain, where riders passed the remnants of the original Sand Springs Pony Express Station.
- Wednesday, July 29: The final Nevada leg from Cave Lake toward Baker, NV, featured a challenging high-elevation climb over Cooper Summit with views of Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park.
“Carrying the Declaration of Independence across Nevada on horseback in the America 250 baton along the actual paths forged by the young riders of 1860 is an incredible honor,” said Petra Keller, NPEA Corresponding Secretary. “Just as the original Pony Express riders raced across these very valleys to keep a divided nation connected, our relayers are connecting communities from coast to coast to celebrate our shared heritage.”
The American Discovery 250 Relay is a 6,800-mile journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence and the 35th anniversary of the American Discovery Trail. By involving NPEA riders for the Nevada stretch, the relay emphasizes the preservation of National Historic Trails and the enduring spirit of the American West.
Local communities and visitors are encouraged to gather at historic markers and state park viewing areas to watch the exchanges. Due to variable desert conditions, spectators should track progress through official updates.
For real-time tracking, scheduling details, or ways to get involved, visit the American Discovery Trail Society website.
