Pony Express Museum of Marysville

Specific Need

In December 2025 the Pony Express Museum concluded a majorpreservation project on the historic barn. Mortar in the barms walls was crumbling and not only causing unsightly views the very stability of the walls was in question. In order to maintain the barn for future generations the board solicited grant funding to replace the stone mortar in all the walls. While we did receive grant dollars to cover a large portion of this funding the board had to utilize existing Pony Up funds to cover the full cost. The barn still needs work completed on the roof, eaves and cupola. This maintenance is the primary focus of the board at this time.

Mission

To preserve the last authentic Pony Express Home Station while telling the story of the Pony Express and the role of Marshall County in Westward Expansion. Inform current and future generations of this unique history through educational programs and community partnerships.

Profile

Preserving one of the last two original Pony Express structures is critical to ensuring our history stays alive for future generations. The Pony Express Barn & Museum, located in downtown Marysville, KS is the only Original Pony Express Station still standing in the same location it operated in 1860-1861. 

Why This Place Matters — Five Reasons Rooted in the Rider’s Story

1. The Only Original Home Station Still on Its Original Site
The rider who galloped into Marysville in 1861 entered the same barn visitors enter today — one of only two original Pony Express structures open to the public anywhere in the nation.

2. An Authentic 1859 Frontier Environment
The stone walls, dirt floor, and ventilation holes are not interpretive features. They are original. They are the physical world the riders knew.

3. National Recognition for Excellence
The museum’s authenticity and preservation work have earned national honors, including recognition as a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide.

4. A Landmark on the Pony Express National Historic Trail
Just as riders once depended on Marysville, today’s heritage travelers, families, and history enthusiasts consider it a must-see stop on the trail.

5. Strong Preservation Investment
More than $200,000 in state and heritage grants have supported historically accurate masonry restoration — a sign of the museum’s national importance and the responsibility we share to protect it.

When you stand in the barn you are standing in the exact same location, inside the same barn, where Pony Express riders changed horses to carry the mail across the Western Frontier. 

Your support of our Museum provides for:

• Preservation & Restoration of the barn the rider once entered
• Educational Exhibits that bring his world to life
• Financial Stability through admissions, grants, gift shop sales, and community generosity
• Community & Tourism Impact, including school partnerships and the annual Re-Ride

Your donation to our Museum helps us preserve one of the last original standing buildings of the Pony Express. Without your donation future generations may not have the ability to stand inside the walls of the barn and imagine the rumble of hooves as they approach and leave carrying the mail for early citizens of this United States.

$10,735.23 received
in 40 gifts