American History: Pony Express Lapbook
Learn about the Pony Express’ beginnings, famous people of the Pony Express, and why the Pony Express ended in this Pony Express lapbook.
The Pony Express operated for only a short while in the history of the U.S., yet it is a popular component of American history and among the popular legends and myths of the Wild West.
Your elementary students will enjoy this interactive learning folder about the Pony Express Mail Service (officially named the Central Overland California and Pikes’s Peak Express Company) during the 1860s.
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Resources for the Pony Express Lapbook
Required Library List:
The Story of The Pony Express by R. Conrad Stein – Cornerstones of Freedom This book is OOP, but you can still read it on Open Library for free
Riding the Pony Express by Clyde Robert Bulla This book is also on Open Library.
Optional Library List:
Get any or all of these books if your children are especially interested in the Pony Express and want to learn more. Listed in order of difficulty.
Ride On, Will Cody!: A Legend of the Pony Express by Caroline Rose Starr
Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express (I Can Read Level 3) by Eleanor Coeer Also on Open Library
Bronco Charlie and the Pony Express (On My Own History) by Marlene Targ Brill Also on Hoopla My kids love all of the On My Own History series!
They’re Off! : The Story of the Pony Express by Cheryl Harness Also on Open Library.
The Pony Express (Landmark Books) by Samuel Hopkins Adams OOP, but on Open Library The Landmark Books are great series for your home library.
We Were There with the Pony Express by William O.Steele This title is OOP, but if you can find it used, it’s another great addition to your home library. I found my used copy on Ebay for around $6. It’s also on Open Library.
Riders of the Pony Express by Ralph Moody
Online Resources:
Bedtime History Podcast: Pony Express
Pony Express from Simple History (Note: This video mentions Billy Tate and his demise at the hands of the Paiute Tribe)
Bronco Charlie, the youngest rider
10 Fast Facts about the Pony Express from History.com (or use this page for younger kids at Have Fun with History).
If this is your first time completing a lapbook, read this first to learn how to fold your folders to create the lapbook base.
Pony Express Lapbook Mini Book Instructions
See inside the Lapbook download for more detailed instructions. Here are the basic topics covered.
Mail Service Before the Pony Express: Describe what the mail service was like before the Pony Express.
Beginning of the Pony Express: Answer the questions in this flap book about the beginning of the Pony Express.
Russell’s Plan: Describe William Hepburn Russell’s plan for the Pony Express.
Wanted Ad Copywork: Copy the 1860 advertisement and put it in the envelope.
The Riders: Write about the riders on the Pony Express.
The Paiute War: Discuss the problems the Paiute War caused the Pony Express.
Famous People of the Pony Express: Write about some of the famous people of the Pony Express, including Buffalo Bill Cody, William Russell, Robert Haslam, and Wild Bill Hickok.
Pony Express Stations: Discuss the differences between home stations and swing stations.
Pony Express Horses: Write about the horses used in the Pony Express.
The Mail Packets and Mochila: Write about the mail packets delivered by the Pony Express and the special saddles used (and the mochilas) to quickly switch over the mail bags.
The end of the Pony Express: Answer the questions about the end of the Pony Express.
Additional Pony Express Activities
Watch the 1969 movie, Pony Express, with Charleston Heston. Here’s a trailer for it.
Print and color this Pony Express coloring page.
Follow the re-enactment rides that happen each June.
Send a letter in the Pony Express Re-ride and get a commemorative hand-stamped letter for only $5 (the original cost to send a letter through this service).
Download your copy of the OLD, ORIGINAL The Pony Express Lapbook from the Free Resource Library. Look under Lapbooks or GRAB THE NEW, COMPLETELY UPDATED VERSION FROM THE HHO SHOP.
More US History and Pony Express Notebooking Pages
Buffalo Bill Cody Notebooking Pages
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