Before the telephone was invented, on long winter nights it was common for people to sit and write long letters to loved ones to share events of the year. In the mid-1800’s the use of the printing press allowed people to send colorful cards with their Season’s Greetings.
Today, with a click of a button, we can send our holiday greeting cards and end of year salutations. Without using paper or fuel, we can send a card to over a million people through our email list, website and social media!
We wish you Peace, Love and Hope.
At WHE, our readers know we simply cannot resist a dive into history.
When we look at the history of the “Christmas Card” we cannot resist wondering how they were delivered in the early days of the United States. We know horses played a large part in everyday life and delivering mail was part of how they were vital to human interactions.
1633 was the date of the first official postal service in the U.S.
By the 1800’s the Post Office purchased Stagecoaches and “the post road” became the best roads for travel because of the continued use and “traveling the post road” became a common phrase.
The Military was used to carry some mail. Wagon trains began being used by settlers traveling West and would often carry mail. These wagon trains were easy targets for ambush and many times the mail never made it through. A contract was awarded to the Overland Mail Company that promised a 24-day mail delivery service over a 2,800 mile trek to San Francisco to meet the demands of the Gold-Rush, but mail service often took months or never arrived.
Around the time when the new printing presses began creating the “Christmas Card,” the Pony Express was born.
“Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows not over 18. Must be expert riders willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.” Paid 50-100 dollars a month (about 1,900 to 3,800 today) these riders took on the a dangerous and grueling task. There is historical documentation that four Pony riders were killed by Indians; one was hanged for murder after he got drunk and killed a man; one died in an unrelated accident; and two froze to death. Horses and riders covered about 250 miles a day. During the 18-month run of the Pony Express 35,000 pieces of mail were delivered using more than 170 stations. On a single day, 80 riders used an estimated 400 to 500 horses. There are no reliable statistics on how many horses died.
On October 24, 1861, the transcontinental telegraph line was completed and the Pony Express, suffering from financial difficulties, was sold to Wells Fargo, and became a legend. (You can learn more about the Pony Express HERE)
Around the time of the Pony Express, there were an estimated 1.5 to 2 million mustangs in America. Hardy mustangs were often used by the Pony Express.
As you send and receive your holiday gifts and greetings, take a moment to reflect on the contribution of the horse. As always, the horse, mule and burro helped build the world of today and were often treated poorly for their service.
We thank you for standing with us to stop injustice and cruelty today and into the future.
No matter what holiday you celebrate, we wish you peace, love and, most of all, hope.
End of year traditions at WHE:
Our end-of-year vital fundraising match challenge is active to keep our work moving forward. Every dollar will be TRIPLED up to $10,000.
A generous donor has offered to “match the match!” through the end of the year! Every dollar donated will be TRIPLED! Your gift now will keep our teams in the field, all of the litigation moving forward and help us begin 2026 strong.
Categories: Wild Horse Education
You must be logged in to post a comment.