Historic Landmarks of San Francisco

San Francisco was the site of the western business headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Wadell, known to history as the Central Overland Pony Express. Based in Leavenworth, Kansas, the firm's eastern terminus was St. Joseph, Missouri. Riders travelled as far west as Sacramento, where the pouch, or mochila, was transferred to a riverboat for transport to San Francisco. A complete trip took 10½ days, with two deliveries per week. The rate was $5.00 per half-ounce.

Service commenced April 3, 1860. For ceremonial purposes James Randall was hired to carry the first mochila, containing $280 worth of dispatches, down to the dock, a distance of a few blocks, on horseback. From there it was transported on the sidewheeler New World to Sacramento. Eleven days later the first delivery from St. Joseph arrived on the Antelope. On this occasion it was accompanied by William Sam Hamilton, a Sacramento-based rider. Arriving at 12:38 AM, Hamilton was treated to rousing welcome including a parade. The Pony Express ceased operation nineteen months later, replaced by the transcontinental telegraph, which was completed October 26, 1861.

The Pony Express headquarters was located at the southwest corner of Montgomery and Merchant Streets, a site now occupied by the Pony Express Building, 615-17 Montgomery. The Merchant Street side of the building is festooned with no less than five plaques. Nearest the corner is the state plaque, which was placed April 1, 1960, by the California State Park Commission and the Society of California Pioneers. Next come three markers of various sizes and shapes, all placed by the National Pony Express Centennial Association and the Society of California Pioneers April 3, 1963. The fifth and last plaque in this assemblage commemorates the arrival of the first rider to San Francisco April 14, 1860. This tablet, with a handsome medallion by the Oregon Trail Memorial Association, was dedicated in 1936 by the Historical Landmarks Committee, Native Sons of the Golden West. A sixth plaque, provided by the Central Overland Pony Express Trail Association, Inc., may be found on the front of the building.

The Pony Express Building has been replaced by a nondescript highrise (601 Montgomery), which currently houses a branch of HSBC bank. The official state plaque is now prominently mounted on a sort of podium at the corner of Merchant Street, visible at the center of Pic. 1. The other plaques mentioned above are now to be found on the Clay Street side of 601 Montgomery.