«I, …, do hereby swear, before the Great and Living God, that during my engagement, and while I am an employee of Russell, Majors, and Waddell, I will, under no circumstances, use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and that in every respect I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employers, so help me God.» — Oath sworn by Pony Express Riders When Abraham Lincoln was victorious on Election Night in 1860, how did the citizens of Salt Lake City hear about their new President? Well, they found out 8 days after the election through the courtesy of the Pony Express. It covered nearly 1,700 miles, the distance from St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA. There were 184 stops along the way, some just to swap horses, and some offering overnight accommodations to the riders. This 1960 monument on South Main Street is a stone base with metal plaques honoring the 100th anniversary of the Pony Express. Circular plaques honor the 3 founders, a rider on a galloping horse, and a dedication that reads«This monument marks the site of the Great Salt Lake City Station of the Pony Express, St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA. Inaugurated April 3, 1860.
