The Impact of Improved Land Transportation: The Pony Express
Prior to the Transportation Revolution, getting information from locale to locale was extremely slow. There were logistical difficulties, problems dealing with rough terrain, and a variety of other obstacles that had to be dealt with before mail could move from person to person. These issues made fast relay close to impossible, and as a result, posed a significant threat to national stability since urgent news was often slow in the coming. However, with the implementation of turnpikes and better roads, land travel was no longer as difficult as it once had been. Travel was quicker and less expensive, and many of the difficulties once involved with migration had been mitigated.
Ultimately, these benefits of the Transportation Revolution played themselves out in the Pony Express. Composed of daring pony riders, this organization of workers delivered mail from Missouri to California in a matter of only 10 days. By changing horses at 10-mile intervals and riding in all forms of weather, the Pony Express riders were able to keep to their schedule and make interstate communication much quicker than it ever used to be. Though the group existed for only a year and a half, they achieved great success within that limited time-frame due to the advancements of the Transportation Revolution.
Ultimately, these benefits of the Transportation Revolution played themselves out in the Pony Express. Composed of daring pony riders, this organization of workers delivered mail from Missouri to California in a matter of only 10 days. By changing horses at 10-mile intervals and riding in all forms of weather, the Pony Express riders were able to keep to their schedule and make interstate communication much quicker than it ever used to be. Though the group existed for only a year and a half, they achieved great success within that limited time-frame due to the advancements of the Transportation Revolution.
Please refer to this brief video on the Pony Express to learn more about their function in US society during the 1800s as well as their reliance on American infrastructure developments to send mail out efficiently and effectively:
Sources: 4, Pony Express Video