This month we feature the nation’s most famous mail service, a busted romance and history summer camps sponsored by the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum.

Galloping through history

Contrary to legend, the sole purpose of the Pony Express was to secure a $1 million U.S. Mail subsidy by showing mail could be delivered on time between Missouri and California—even through winter. But in the contest between the Pony Express and Wyoming winter, winter won. Read more in Scott Alumbaugh’s article, “The Pony Express in Wyoming.”

Jealousy gets the upper hand

When Noah Richardson brought his gal to a gathering of cowboys in 1905, he expected her to leave with him. The charm of Allie Means that day won him the girl but lost him his life. Read more about the desperate crimes of Noah Richardson and the chain of events spurred on by the murder of Allie Means in Justin Horn’s article, “The Murder of Allie Means.”

History Summer Camps sponsored 
by the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum

Explore River History
August 7-11, entering grades 1-4
August 21-25, entering grades 5-8

The August 21-25 camp is full. To be put on the waiting list, or if you have questions about either camp, contact Catherine Maguire at catherine@jacksonholehistory.org.

Upcoming Events around Wyoming

For July calendar events, visit the Wyoming Historical Society’s new website. If you know of upcoming history-related events in Wyoming, send a note to editor@wyohistory.org.
View the Calendar

Latest from the Blog

Bikepacking the Pony Express
Starting with a brief, unvarnished history of the Pony Express, the author Scott Alumbaugh then plunges us into his adventure. His projected route is St. Joseph, Missouri to Salt Lake City, riding a mountain bike and pulling his gear-laden trailer.

Time, Cheese and People in Star Valley
We were lucky last weekend to visit Star Valley for the Wyoming Historical Society’s annual trek. During two days of talk and bus rides we learned about the area’s history, geography, beauty—and isolation. Only two paved routes lead there.

Juneteenth to the Fourth of July
On June 15th, 1889, around 100 women in Cheyenne gathered in a mass meeting to demand woman suffrage be included in the Wyoming Constitution. One hundred thirty-four years and two days later, on Saturday—June 17th, 2023—the Wyoming State Museum will be hosting another large gathering in Cheyenne to kick off Civic Season.

It’s launched!
We hope you enjoy our newly redesigned website to see how it works and what it offers. Here is a quick tour of the website and its improvements and new features.