The Story of the Pony Express


Read by Roger Melin

(4 stars; 54 reviews)

The Story of the Pony Express offers an in depth account behind the need for a mail route to connect the eastern U.S. with the rapidly populating west coast following the gold rush of California, the springing up of lumber camps, and all incidental needs arising from the settling of the western frontier. Here we learn of the inception of the Pony Express, its formation, successes, failures, facts, statistics, combined with many anecdotes and names of the people who were an integral part of this incredible entity which lasted but less than two years, yet was instrumental in the successful settlement of two thirds of the land mass comprising the expanding country. (Introduction by Roger Melin) (3 hr 6 min)

Chapters

1 - Preface and Chapter 1 - At a Nation's Crisis 10:23 Read by Roger Melin
2 - Inception and Organization of the Pony Express 19:00 Read by Roger Melin
3 - The First Trip and Triumph 27:05 Read by Roger Melin
4 - Operation, Equipment, and Business 24:05 Read by Roger Melin
5 - California and the Secession Menace 25:32 Read by Roger Melin
6 - Riders and Famous Rides 21:38 Read by Roger Melin
7 - Anecdotes of the Trail and Honor Roll 17:40 Read by Roger Melin
8 - Early Overland Mail Routes 29:44 Read by Roger Melin
9 - Passing of the Pony Express 11:12 Read by Roger Melin

Reviews

Express Success


(5 stars)

Although a financial failure the pony express filled a critical need at a crucial time. This account while woefully short, gives a factual detailed look at the operation and bravery of those men.

Excellent Story - Excellent Reader


(5 stars)

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. It was very informative. The reader sounded as if he was the author.

good facts, brief


(3.5 stars)

good facts, brief, not very lively.


(0.5 stars)

Our Civil War was mass insanity. Whole generations of our finest men, North and South were slaughtered or maimed. This historical account ,written from the winner's viewpoint, demonizes the losers. I suppose history usually does that, but it is sad. I wish I had never listened to this particular piece of bias.