Analysis: On Being a Pony Express Rider

Dates: c. 1860–1861 (published 1879)

Author/s: William F. Cody (with Glenn D. Bradley)

Genre: biography; memoir

Summary Overview

The document excerpted here is a personal account of “Buffalo Bill” Cody's experiences while working as a Pony Express delivery rider, including his recollections of another noted rider at the time, Wild Bill Hickok. Besides offering a glimpse into the life of the famous character Buffalo Bill, the excerpt shows how the Pony Express riders faced the difficult conditions of the Old West, while remaining dedicated to their task, thus guaranteeing that communications between the eastern and westerns portions of the developing nation could continued. Although there is some dispute about the validity of Buffalo Bill's claim that he was a Pony Express rider, the only evidence being Cody's personal account, there is little argument about the general outlines of his description. His use of Express riders in his famous Wild West show in later decades did much to create a place for the Pony Express in the legend of the American West.

Defining Moment

This excerpt illustrates a part of American history that has contributed as much to the legend as to the history of the Old West. The Pony Express ran only from April 1860 until October 1861, yet the riders' place in history looms much larger than that short time span would suggest. Much of this is owing to their incredible dedication—having lost only one mail satchel in the entire run of the Express (and that was because the rider had been killed and his horse not recovered). Playing an important part of communication before the invention of the telegraph and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the Pony Express was the only way to get messages from the East to the West; coast-to-coast communication took under twelve days. But this was not a settled time, geographically or politically, and incidents with western Indian tribes, as described in the article, result in military escorts being needed for the riders and the loss of many lives on both sides of the conflict. Nevertheless, the Pony Express continued to run with few breaks until it was made redundant by the telegraph line and finally shut down with the expansion of the railroads.

Despite its quick demise, the Pony Express lives on in the collective memory of this time period because of the riders' amazing skill and dedication. Moreover, Buffalo Bill ensured that these men were not forgotten by using their experiences and skills in his Wild West show, which was formed about ten years after he left the Pony Express. Traveling as quickly as possible, through both hostile environments and virtually any type of weather, the Pony Express riders faced the very real possibility of death each time they headed out. In that respect, they embodied the character and spirit that inspired easterners to push into the “Wild West” in order to seek their fortune and a new life for themselves and their families. Riding around ninety miles distance at a time, sometimes changing horses on the fly, and dodging outlaws and hostile Indians, the riders kept their oath to serve the people and carry out their duties with dignity and honor, even though a few, like Buffalo Bill, were barely more than children at the time.

Author Biography

William Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, was born in Iowa in 1846, but grew up primarily in Kansas. By age fifteen, he had already been away from home for several years, working various jobs before becoming a Pony Express rider in 1860. He earned his nickname “Buffalo Bill” in the years following this, while working as a hunter in the West and was soon something of a sensation, appearing in several newspapers. Then in 1872, he began his career in entertainment, with a series of shows, the most popular of which was his Wild West show. This prelude to modern-day rodeos showcased cowboys and cowgirls doing tricks, as well as many types of animals common to the West. Cody became so famous that he was invited to perform his show in England for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee celebration and before a crowd of 18,000 at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Cody died in 1917 in Denver.

Document Analysis

Much of this document describes the dangerous conditions that the Pony Express riders faced on the trips they took. Between Indians and outlaws, many riders, tenders, and stable workers were injured or killed, often for their animals, but also simply because they were easy targets, being alone in the vast and empty miles between towns. Additionally, a close reading reveals the personal commitment to their jobs that the riders had and their intent to see things through to the end. These stories show a certain insensitivity toward violence and mortal peril, which the riders faced on a regular basis. The possibility of being hurt or killed while on a delivery was just part of daily life.

This document shows the clear problems that existed in the American West, namely, violent conflicts between the Indians and the rest of the area's inhabitants, as well as the lack of law-enforcement to protect individuals from outlaws and “desperadoes.” In his account, Buffalo Bill focuses mostly on how he made his trips between towns; the Indians who “fired at me repeatedly” or were “in hot pursuit” are not the main point of the story. Such confrontations are simply facts of the journey; the main point is that he completed his rides. The only time this attitude changes is when the attacks become so bad that the Pony Express was actually halted for a short time. In this last section, Cody explains that the normal amount of danger had become so increased that it now a kind of “gauntlet.” But even this section ends with a mention that this break came at a good time, since the riders needed more horses anyway if they were to continue on. Cody always spoke very highly of Native Americans, even protecting them and their culture; but in this instance he is very clear, yet still respectful, about the fact that they posed a great risk to himself and his fellow riders. Even so, the matter does not seem to bother him overmuch.

In the second story, another rider, Wild Bill Hickok, also faces a clear danger—in this case, the presence of violent outlaws. As is apparent from this story, Wild Bill was no stranger to inflicting his own violence on someone; but the most interesting part is the very last paragraph. Wild Bill, after driving away the attackers, simply stays with the woman until he knows she is safely in someone else's care; he then continues on his way, riding for the next town. The Pony Express riders' dedication to their job made it much more than a job; it was more of a calling, and one that they pursued no matter what the circumstances or personal dangers were. While it may seem odd that Wild Bill simply carried on with his route, this was part of the ethic of the Old West: life continued on, even with violence all around.

Bibliography and Additional Reading

“A Brief History of William F. ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody.” Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2014.

Driggs, Howard R., & William Henry Jackson. The Pony Express Goes Through; an American Saga Told by Its Heroes. New York: Frederick A. Stokes, 1935. Print.

Gunn, J. M. “The Pony Express.” Annual Publication of the Historical Society of Southern California and Pioneer Register, Los Angeles 5.2 (1901): 168–75. Web. 17 Oct. 2014.

“The Pony Express.” Pony Express National Museum. Pony Express National Museum, 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

Settle, Raymond W., & Mary Lund Settle. Saddles and Spurs: The Pony Express Saga. Lincoln: U of Nebraska P, 1972. Print.