El Dorado County (Dec 4 2023) – In a nod to the bygone era of the Pony Express, Northern Californians are adding a touch of nostalgia to their Christmas celebrations this year. The Pony Express Christmas Card Ride, organized by the National Pony Express Association, promises a journey through time on December 9th as riders embark on a historic trail from Folsom to Sacramento.
Eleven riders, donned in attire reminiscent of the original Pony Express, will carry cards in mochilas, echoing the methods of the 1860s mail carriers. The expedition kicks off at the Folsom History Museum, winding along the scenic American River trail, concluding at the Sacramento History Museum in Old Sacramento.
To participate, residents can drop off their festive cards at the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce in Placerville. Additionally, the Folsom History Museum serves as a designated drop-off point along the American River trail. However, time is of the essence, with a deadline of Monday for submissions to the Sacramento History Museum next Thursday, Dec. 7, for the Folsom History Museum.
The submitted cards will receive a special Pony Express stamp before being handed over to the U.S. Postal Service for the rest of their journey. A friendly reminder from organizers: affix your USPS stamp and ensure the correct address for a smooth ride to the intended destination.
Rich Tatman, president of the California division and a ride captain, shared that the National Pony Express Association strives to “keep history alive” through such reenactment events. The original Pony Express, operational for a brief yet impactful 18 months between April 1860 and October 1861, set a remarkable precedent by delivering letters over 1,800 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento in a mere 10 days.
As the Pony Express Christmas Card Ride captures the imagination of the community, it not only brings a festive spirit but also serves as a living tribute to a remarkable chapter in American history. So, dust off your quills and get ready to send your holiday wishes on a journey through time, saddlebag-style.
