Pony Express Historic Byway Designated as Kansas’ 13th Scenic Byway

Kansas Tourism today announced the official designation of the Pony Express Historic Byway, a significant cultural and historic route traversing northern Kansas. This announcement secures the 13^th addition to the Kansas Byways Program, further strengthening the state’s network of scenic and historic travel experiences.

The Pony Express Historic Byway begins at mile marker 381 on U.S. Highway 36 east of Troy and extends through Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha, Marshall and Washington counties, ending on Highway 243 at the historic Hollenberg Pony Express Station. The route closely follows the original Pony Express Trail, preserving and celebrating the corridor’s historic, scenic, cultural, recreational, archaeological and natural assets.

“Our state’s byways tell the story of Kansas while creating real economic opportunity for the communities along the route,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Pony Express Historic Byway highlights one of the most iconic chapters in American history while inviting travelers to experience the charm, heritage and hospitality of Kansas. Byways like this drive visitation, support local businesses, and bring new energy to rural communities across the state.”

The byway holds deep historical significance as part of the mid-19th century Pony Express route, which played a vital role in delivering mail across the American frontier. Communities along the byway reflect the layered stories of westward expansion, Indigenous heritage, railroad development and early commerce.

“Well-maintained highways and roads connect travelers to the stories, landscapes and communities that make Kansas unique,” Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “The Pony Express Historic Byway not only honors a remarkable piece of our nation’s history, but also supports tourism, strengthens rural economies, and showcases the important role our transportation system plays in connecting people and places across Kansas.”

The Corridor Management Plan guiding the byway’s preservation and promotion was developed collaboratively by public and private sector leaders representing the five counties and their communities. The effort was facilitated with assistance from the Kansas Byways Program, managed by Kansas Tourism and the Kansas Department of Transportation.

“Byways invite travelers to slow down and experience the places and stories that shaped our state,” Director of Kansas Tourism Bridgette Jobe said. “The Pony Express Historic Byway is the kind of journey that encourages travelers to explore a little longer, discover local businesses and create lasting memories.”

Unveiling Ceremony

A public unveiling ceremony was held April 7 at the Hollenberg Pony Express Station in Hanover. The event featured a proclamation from Governor Kelly read by Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, remarks from Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed, and the unveiling of the official Pony Express Historic Byway signage. Attendees were able to experience a unique and commemorative program honoring the legacy of the Pony Express and the Kansas communities that steward its history today.

To watch video highlights of the event, click here. For more information about the Kansas Byways program, click here.

A painting depicts pioneers traveling with a covered wagon. Two oxen pull the wagon, guided by a person walking alongside. In the background, another person rides a horse, herding additional oxen. A dog trots nearby, and a small house is visible in the distance. The scene is set in a grassy, open landscape.

A historical painting depicts a mid-19th century wagon train scene. Covered wagons and people are traveling together across a grassy landscape under a blue sky. Prominent in the foreground are individuals interacting, with one person on horseback wearing a hat. Shadows and sunlight create a warm atmosphere.

A pastoral scene illustrating a group of pioneers traveling west with covered wagons. Oxen are pulling the wagons across a sunlit prairie. Travelers, including adults and children, walk alongside. The landscape is lush and green, capturing a sense of movement and hope.

A wooden wagon displayed in a museum setting, mounted on a stand. The wagon appears aged, with weathered wood and iron fittings. The background includes framed documents and informational displays.

A wooden wagon featuring detailed mechanical workings is displayed in a museum setting. A wooden gear system is attached to the wagon's side, labeled with "Watson's Wagon Works Minneapolis." The background shows a mural depicting historical scenes with figures and horses.

A historical map of the United States highlighting trails and railroad routes in 1860. Notable paths include the Santa Fe Trail, Mormon Trail, and Oregon Trail, among others. The map also marks locations such as San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and St. Louis, and outlines regions like Nebraska Territory and Indian Territory.

A display stand with two informational plaques. The left plaque features a map titled "Public Roads and Bridges in the Middle District," with text above it. The right plaque includes historical text and a map marked "Davis County." The stand is set on a gravel path with grass visible in the background.

A close-up of an information board describing the history of the land. The text mentions Garrett Hollenbeck's 160-acre claim in 1855, the development of the area, and the types of trees present, such as walnut, hickory, and oak. It also details the presence of a large garden and the use of lumber for construction. The sign is mounted on a stand next to a gravel path.

A person wearing a vest with "National Pony Express Association" and "Kansas" logos stands outdoors. The vest features an embroidered image of a rider on a horse. In the background, a group of people is seated on white folding chairs under a tent.

A person wearing a brown vest with a "National Pony Express Association" patch and the word "Kansas" sits on a white chair. The vest features an embroidered image of a rider on a galloping horse. A blurred building is in the background.

Two individuals are outdoors with a white horse. One is adjusting the saddle. They are wearing cowboy hats and attire featuring "National Pony Express Association" and "Kansas" on the vest. A wooden building is in the background.

A Pony Express rider, KDOT Sec. Reed pose behind an old station house.

Sec. Reed holds the new Pony Express designation sign.

A Pony Express rider, KDOT Sec. Reed, Lt. Governor Toland and more pose behind an old station house.

Man in western attire, riding a horse on a gravel road. — Pony Express historical reenactor rides the horse in before the Pony Express Historical Byway was designated in Hanover.

Two men in western attire, speaking and appearing happy, while holding onto a horse.

Three people in nice attire, smiling and appearing joyful as they sign a document as an event.

An individual in hat observes the crowd at the Pony Express Byway dedication event.

People standing outside in a field with a horse.

Individuals stand outside outside an old cabin.

Individuals stand in the room of an old house.

A figure stands in the open doorway of an old station house.

Interior detail of an old station house.

Pony Express rider in a red vest rides a white horse across an open Kansas field during a reenactment

Individuals outside an old station house.

Lt. Governor Toland and KDOT Sec. Reed chat with an Pony Express rider.

Lt. Governor David Toland chats with a Pony Express rider.

A Pony Express rider watches as Kylee Bergstrom speaks at a podium.

Audience listens to a speaker during an outdoor Pony Express ceremony

Speaker stands at a podium under a tent addressing an audience at a Pony Express event

The new Pony Express Byway sign is held up.

Speaker addressing an audience at an outdoor Pony Express ceremony under a tent

A rider and his horse look at each other.

Lt. Governor Toland and Sec. Reed shake hands.

Pony Express riders stand next to horse and listen to speaker at Pony Express Byway dedication event.

Back seal of rider's National Pony Express Association vest.

Lt. Governor David Toland hold the proclamation affirming the Pony Express Byway.

A rider carries a proclamation document up to the stage.

Audience members listen to speaker under a tent at the Pony Express dedication event.

Individuals greet each other in the field.

Two riders on horseback pass each other in a grassy field during a Pony Express reenactment

A rider in the field foregrounded by an old cauldron.

Small group of attendees stands in a grassy field during a Pony Express reenactment

Detail of a rider's National Pony Express Association jacket.

An individual in period garb walks on grass.

An individual peaks out the window of an old station house.

An individual smiles as she pets a white horse.

Detail of a mail pocket of a saddle on a horse.

A rider holds on to his hat as he straddles his horse.

Pony Express rider outside an old station house.

Individuals chatting at the Pony Express Byway dedication event.

Detail of rider's National Pony Express Association vest.

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