🌎Activity #3: The Pony Express

Learning Objective

I will be able to explain what The Pony Express was and how it contributed to our understanding of the past.

Assignment

How did people in the West communicate and receive news about events and people in the East in the early years of development?  In this lesson you will watch a video to learn about The Pony Express, why it was invented, who was involved it making it work, and why it was so important in the early West.  Then you will participate in a class discussion.

Guidelines

•  Watch the video below to learn more about The Pony Express, and how their work contributed to the development of the West. 
  
  

 After watching the video and doing some research on your own, answer the following questions: 

1. In 2-3 complete sentences, explain why the Pony Express was more effective at delivering mail than a stagecoach. Provide evidence to support your response.   

2. What is meant by a "fresh horse?"

3. In 2-3 complete sentences, explain why think the Pony Express riders had a tough job.  Why do you feel this way?  Explain your thinking.  

4. What was a Pony Express Station?  Why were they important and how far apart were they?

5. How many months did the Pony Express last?

6. Why did the Pony Express go out of business?