kansas_flag.gif (8061 bytes)           Hollenberg Station State Hist Site

Location:  From Hanover take Hwy K-243 1/2 mile East, 1/2 mile North, and 1mile East (follow signs).

Nearest Town:  Hanover

Contact:  ph785/337-2635

Hours:  Wed-Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 1-5pm

 

Over 125 years ago, Pony Express riders thundered up to Cottonwood Station, switched horses, and took off again down the trail.  This was repeated for 18 months starting in April 1860, and ending with the telegraph connection to points farther west. 
ponyexpstation.jpg (19723 bytes)Although it was dramatic and romantic, the Pony Express which ran from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, was never a financial success. 

Today, the Kansas State Historical Society operates a museum and visitor's center at the site of the only remaining  Pony Express station standing at it's original location.  Constructed in 1857-58 by German immigrant Gerat Hollenbrg to serve the travelers of the Oregon Trail, it has six rooms, and was used as a tavern, inn, dry goods store, post office and restaurant as well as a residence.  When the Pony Express came along, it also became a station for that.

In a time when most people lived all their life and died within 10 miles of where they were born,  Hollenberg was unusual in that he had first tried his luck in the gold fields of California, and then the mines of Australia and Peru before settling in Kansas in 1857.  Today you can walk the same floors and look out the same windows as the Pony Express riders in this unique museum that Hollenberg built so long ago.

ponyexppark.jpg (10011 bytes)This is the view to the south of the Hollenberg Station, which becons to today's traveler, as it must have to travelers of over 100 years ago, to stop a spell and perhaps enjoy a picnic.

 

 

 

ponyexpmural.jpg (19545 bytes)This mural is on the wall of the recently constructed visitor center which is located about 1/4 mile west of Hollenberg Station.   It depicts what a June day might have looked like on this hill overlooking the station over 125 years ago. 

 

 

 

 

 

ponyexp.jpg (8364 bytes)The visitor center also contains a small museum, bookstore, and gift shop, as well as restrooms.  A short nature trail leads from the visitor center for about 1/4 mile before reaching the Hollenberg Station.

 

 

 

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