This facility was used by the overland stage coach line, Pony Express, and as a rest stop for pioneers at this Oregon Trail point.
These ruts were carved by the thousands of covered wagons, stage coaches, and Pony Express riders that travelled this road.
Rock Creek Station East Ranch Bunkhouse
(Pony Express Barn and corral in rear)
Rock Creek Station East Ranch Bunkhouse Interior
Mark Twain mentions this stop in his book "Roughing it" based upon his journey by stagecoach to Nevada. It was at this East Ranch that station owner David McCanles was shot and killed by Wild Bill Hickok. That was the beginning of Hickok's career as a gunfighter.
Post office, Rock Creek Station
for Oregon Trail, Pony Express, stage and freight.
West Ranch Cabin
This reconstructed building at Rock Creek served as a road stop for travelers, providing goods and services.
Reconstructed Rock Creek Toll Bridge
This bridge was originally constructed ny David McCanles. Prior to his construction, travelers had to largely dismantle their wagons or use a rocky ford to cross Rock Creek. McCanles usually charged 10 to 50 cents to use his bridge based upon the weight of wagons or the ability of the traveler to pay.
Pony Express Monument and Blacksmith Shop
This Rock Creek stop is one of 165 relay stops of thePony Express between St. Joseph MO and Sacramento CA. Riders rode between 75 and 100 miles and changed horses every 15 to 20 miles. They averaged 20 years of age but some were as young as 11 years and as old as 40 years. The service took about 7 + days and operated winter and summer, and 24 hours per day, during its 18 month life time, ending upon completion of the transcontinental telegraph, rendering the service obsolete.
Pony Express Saddle
Each rider upon arriving at a relay station was provided with an already saddled fresh horse. All that he had to do in order to continue on the trail was to dismount, remove the saddle overlay containing the mail pouches and lay it upon the saddle of the fresh horse. Either he or the next rider would continue on to the next relay point. If the rider was to be relieved at this stop, he could go to the bunkhouse and might proceed upon the reverse route after his deserved rest.
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