William F. Harrah-Pony Express - North Kansas City MO
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 39° 08.546 W 094° 32.659
15S E 366539 N 4333718
The marker and sculptor are located in front of the entrance to Harrah's Casino North Kansas City at 1 Riverboat Drive, North Kansas City MO 64116.
Waymark Code: WM1945N
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 11/22/2023
Views: 1
TEXT ON THE MARKER
William F. Harrah, legendary pioneer of the casino industry, commissioned noted sculptor Avard Fairbanks to recognize and celebrate the Pony Express. Fairbanks created two immense statues in 1961 which capture and memorialize the frontier spirit. One statue welcomes guests to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, near the termination point of the Pony Express. It is only fitting that the second statue should greet guests at Harrah’s North Kansas City, which stands nearest the Pony Express origination point.
Dedicated April 3, 2000
Web link: [Web Link]
History of Mark:
(From Wikipedia) The Pony Express was an American express mail service that used relays of horse-mounted riders. It operated from April 3, 1860, to October 26, 1861, between Missouri and California. It was operated by the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company.
During its 18 months of operation, the Pony Express reduced the time for messages to travel between the east and west US coast to about 10 days. It became the west's most direct means of east–west communication before the first transcontinental telegraph was established (October 24, 1861), and was vital for tying the new U.S. state of California with the rest of the United States.
Despite a heavy subsidy, the Pony Express was not a financial success and went bankrupt in 18 months, when a faster telegraph service was established.
Additional point: Not Listed
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