Exploring the Pony Express - and Creating a Family Connection
In which I explain some of the history of the Pony Express; describe its first rider, Johnny Frye; share photos from our visit to the Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri; and share an excerpt from Missouri Daughter in which Bailis recalls watching that momentous first day of the Pony Express with his brother Benjamin.
A Letter from Rebel Cousin Rachel
In which I share another excerpt from Missouri Daughter that includes a letter to Bailis from his cousin, “Rachel at Rebel Rendezvous,” reflect a bit on how the war tore families apart, and discuss the importance of the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and explain the Platte River Bridge disaster, when Confederate guerrillas burned part of the track and caused a train to derail outside of St. Joseph, killing approximately 20 people and injuring 100.