Monument dedicated to Pony Express riders

CARSON CITY, Nev. — A monument commemorating the Pony Express riders of the 1860s has been dedicated in a community just east of Carson City.

The monument, a metal silhouette of a mounted Pony Express rider, was unveiled during a ceremony last week along U.S. Highway 50 in Mound House.

It's located along the route used by riders during the 18-month operation of the legendary mail service linking Sacramento, Calif., and St. Joseph, Mo., in 1860 and 1861.

The monument was a goal of Lyon County Commissioner Larry McPherson, past president of the Nevada division of the National Pony Express Association.

"This has been a dream of mine to keep history alive for the Pony Express with this silhouette," he told the Nevada Appeal.

McPherson said the idea for the monument came three years ago on a visit to Marysville, Kan., where similar silhouettes greet visitors.

"It took awhile to find something that could withstand the wind," he said.

Carson Valley artist Bill Muerle donated his time to create the monument.