Why was the Pony Express shut down?
Why was the Pony Express shut down? Technological advancement—namely, the completion of the transcontinental telegraph line in October 1861—was the immediate cause of the demise of the Pony Express, but many other factors contributed to its downfall, not least its parent company's relentlessly deteriorating financial condition.
Did Pony Express riders carry guns?
In addition to the mailbag, the Pony Express riders carried two things: a Bible, and a gun.
Did the Pony Express use orphans?
Most riders were under one hundred pounds and were similar in size to horse jockeys today. The lighter the rider, the faster the horse could go. The company preferred to hire orphans so families would not complain if their sons died trying to deliver mail.