Shannon here: Donna Schlachter shares her research on the Pony Express, plus a chance to win a print (US only) or ebook copy of her Historical Romance, Hollenberg Hearts (Book 1). Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: June 15th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Donna:
The Pony Express Tale
Most people know something about the Pony Express, but few realize it only operated from April 1860 through to November 1861. The first ride left St. Joseph, Missouri heading west, and from Sacramento, California heading east, on April 3rd, 1860.
The idea for a Pony Express was conceived in the minds of its owners because of the possibility of winning the contract for the overland US mail. Another company, Butterworth, was running a southern route that took up to three weeks to deliver to the west coast, and Majors and Waddell thought they could beat that time by taking the shorter northern route.
The time period, 1860, fascinates me as there were so many changes happening in America. The train is a dream; the cross-country telegraph is nearing completion; the country is brewing for civil war; women are campaigning for voting and civil rights. In just a few short years, cameras will photograph war for the first time; telephones will be installed in people’s homes; electricity will light our lives into the dark of night.
When the final rider left Sacramento in November 1861, carrying letters going east as far as St. Joseph,
Giveaway
Missouri, the company was already about $600,000 in debt. Although the project was well-conceived and well-executed, it was never designed as a long-term system. And when the Overland Express lost its bid to garner the mail contract, the company ended up merging with its competitor Butterworth to deliver mail that kept the country united through the coming war and for many years to come.
Question for Readers: What’s your favorite genre and why?
About Donna: A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed career writers. Learn more & connect:
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About the book – Hearts of Midway:
In 1860, a sheriff’s daughter with a nose for mystery finds more than she bargained for.
Book 4 Hearts of the Pony Express series releases Aug 31:
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Donna’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Hollenberg Hearts Donna’s Books
Come back June 11th for Sherry Shindelar!
historical for setting
I would have to say romance and also romantic suspense, and I like when there’s an HEA.
I enjoy historical romance. I especially like the WWII era since my parents lived through it and I was born not long after it ended. I also have read alot of novels set during and around the Civil War. I did not know until recently that the pony express lasted for such a short time.
I enjoy many genres and historical fiction is one of my faves. There are many set during The Civil War era and WWII but I just realized that historical fiction is now being considered as the 50s, 60s, & 70s. What?!?! How can this be?????
I have a winner! Carol Alscheff won the drawing. I appreciate Donna for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.