Hollenberg Pony Express Station

The Hollenberg Pony Express Station, also known as Cottonwood Pony Express Station, is the most intact surviving station of the Pony Express in the United States. It was built by Gerat H. Hollenberg in 1858, to serve travelers on the Oregon and California Trails, and was used by the Pony Express when it was established in 1860. The station is owned by the state of Kansas and is operated by the Kansas Historical Society as Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site.[2] It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.[1]

Hollenberg Pony Express Station
Hollenberg Pony Express Station in 1991
Hollenberg Pony Express Station is located in Kansas
Hollenberg Pony Express Station
Hollenberg Pony Express Station is located in the United States
Hollenberg Pony Express Station
Nearest cityHanover, Kansas
Coordinates39°54′3″N 96°50′37″W
Area6 acres (2.4 ha)
Built1860 (1860)
ArchitectG.H. Hollenberg
NRHP reference No.66000352
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1966[1]
Designated NHLNovember 5, 1961

Description and history
Hollenberg Home Station, 2019

The Hollenberg Pony Express Station is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Hanover, Kansas along Kansas Highway 243. The station consists of a 1-1/2 story rectangular Cottonwood frame building, with a gabled roof, wooden shingled exterior, and stone foundation. The building is organized into six rooms, four of which served as the Hollenberg family residence, one served as a shop, and the last as a bar and tavern space. The loft area served as a sleeping area for riders of the Pony Express and guests.[3] The building was historically accompanied by a stable and blacksmith's shop.[4]

The station was built in 1858 by Gerat H. Hollenberg c. 1857 or 1858, as a way station on the Oregon and California migrant trails. When the Pony Express service was inaugurated, it was made a "home station" where riders switched mounts. The Pony Express operated for only 18 months, ending service in October 1861.[4] The station also served the Butterfield Overland Mail. Hollenberg traded with emigrants on the trails, operated the westernmost Pony Express station in Kansas, and provided relay services for the Overland Mail. The building has never been moved and retains its original dimensions. Hollenberg prospered, establishing the town of Hanover, Kansas and winning election to the Kansas Legislature.[2]

Hollenberg died in 1874, and thereafter the property was used as a farmstead until 1941. It was purchased by the state in that year, and turned over the state historical society for maintenance and management in 1963.[4] The site is open between March and October.

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. "Hollenberg Pony Express Station". Kansapedia. Kansas State Historic Society. August 2002. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  3. "Hollenberg Pony Express Home Station". August 29, 2019.
  4. "NHL nomination for Hollenberg Pony Express Station". National Park Service. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
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