Transcript the pony express

AMERICANA
PROGRAM
MARCH 2010
DOHA, QATAR
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The Pony Express was a fast mail service crossing the North
American continent from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento,
California, from April 1860 to October 1861. It became the
west's most direct means of east-west communication before
the telegraph and was vital for tying California closely with the
Union just before the American Civil War
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Stations: Approximately 165 stations. Almost 2,000 miles.
Route: Between St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California
Frequency: Once a week from April; twice a week from midJune to late Oct. 1861
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Riders changed horses at stations placed
about ten to fifteen miles apart.
A rider handed the mail pack over to another
rider after completing about 75 miles
Lasted only nineteen months, from April 3,
1860 to October 24, 1861.Ended when
telegraph first crossed the continent.
A telegraph is a device for transmitting and receiving messages
over long distances A telegraph message sent by an electrical
telegraph operator or telegrapher using Morse code
Young lightweight riders were hired for the job. One
of the most famous was Buffalo Bill Cody.
Why? One reason was the Gold Rush--People
heard that gold had been found and rushed
to seek their fortune. (1848–1855)
Many went to California by covered wagon--a
long, difficult journey.
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Sometimes people talk about the 'West,'
the 'Wild West,' or the 'Old West.' They
are usually referring to the people and
events of the western region of the United
States during the second half of the 1800's.
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2,000 miles long.
Used about 60 years (1841-1900)
Followed by thousands of Americans to move west, first for fur,
then as missionaries, and finally for land.
Over 300,000 Americans of all ages and walks of life sold most of
their worldly possessions, piled what was left in a wagon and set
off on an epic journey.
Helped to preserve the Union by providing rapid
communication between California and Washington,
D.C.
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First adhesive stamps
issued in 1842
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On March 3, 1847, Congress authorized
United States postage stamps.
The first general issue postage stamps
went on sale in New York City, July 1,
1847.
Clerks used scissors to cut the stamps
from pregummed, nonperforated sheets.
Only Franklin and Washington appeared
on stamps until 1856, when a five-cent
stamp honoring Thomas Jefferson was
issued.
George Washington has appeared on
more U.S. postage stamps than any other
person.
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Sending personal letters was replaced by email years
ago, at least for the most part. Business letters are still
being sent and therefore there is still a need to know
how to properly address an envelope. Addressing an
envelope properly helps get your letter to the correct
destination on time.
PARTS OF AN ENVELOPE
HOW TO ADDRESS AN
ENVELOPE
1. Print return address in upper lefthand corner of envelope (Who
is sending the letter)
2. In the middle of envelope write
who letter is going to and their
address.
3. Put stamp with proper postage in
upper right hand corner.
Now take it to the Post Office (USPS
or United States Postal Service )
nearest to you and mail.
[Date]
Dear Mr. President,
Hi! My name is_____________. I am _____years old and
am an American living overseas. I live in Qatar and go to
__________(school). I attend the Americana program at
the __(location)_________ and just learned about the Pony Express
and the USPS. I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you for serving our country.
Sincerely,
_________________
[Sign your name here]
your name
J. Citizen
and
address
123 MAIN ST
ANYTOWN AB 23456-7890
.
President Barak Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500
STAMP
THEIR
NAME
AND
ADDRESS
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http://www.americanwest.com/trails/pages/ponyexp1.htm
http://www.xphomestation.com/
http://www.42explore2.com/pony.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War
http://americancivilwar.com/pictures/north_south_states.gif
http://www.stamps.org/kids/January/stamp_overview.htm
http://www.usps.com/postalhistory/significantdates.htm?from=Postal
History&page=LeftNav_SignificantDates
http://www.usps.com/postalhistory/stampsandpostcards.htm?from=Po
stalHistory&page=LeftNav_StampsandPostcards
http://www.42explore2.com/goldrush.htm
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/places/states/oregon/wallowa.htm
http://www.kidport.com/RefLib/USAhistory/CalGoldRush/OverlandTr
ail.htm
http://www.oregontrailcenter.org/HistoricalTrails/OregonCaliforniaTrai
ls.htm
http://www.abcteach.com/free/e/envelope_formatting.pdf