Stateline Tahoe (Nov 30, 2024) – The Pony Express statue at Stateline, Nevada, near South Lake Tahoe, has a fascinating history tied to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and the Pony Express legacy. Created by Dr. Avard Fairbanks and cast in Italy, this larger-than-life bronze sculpture commemorates the Pony Express riders and their historical significance. Originally, the statue was placed near Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, reportedly in an orientation that caused some local amusement—it initially faced the wrong direction before being adjusted to point toward Sahara Tahoe (now the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino).
The statue was situated near Harrah’s parking area, facing east by Harrah’s recreation center and guest lodge, close to a glass showcase displaying one of Bill Harrah’s vintage cars. Its current placement, slightly shifted during renovations and expansions to the hotel, still holds historical resonance, honoring its original proximity to the Pony Express trail and Friday’s Station—a critical remount stop in the 1860s
This story blends South Lake Tahoe’s cultural memory with its ties to the adventurous spirit of the Old West. Stateline, Nevada, and the surrounding South Lake Tahoe area are rich in history, including landmarks that connect to the Pony Express and other chapters of the Old West.
Pony Express History
The Pony Express was a short-lived but legendary mail service that operated from April 1860 to October 1861, connecting Missouri to California. Its route included Friday’s Station, a pivotal remount stop located near Stateline. Riders would swap horses at this station, located on the main California Trail. Today, the historical marker for Friday’s Station can be found near the Loop Road on U.S. Highway 50, just east of the MontBleu Resort Casino. This station was named for Martin K. “Friday” Burke, one of its operators, and was known for its white, two-story wooden frame—a welcome sight for Pony Express riders traversing rugged terrain
Harrah’s and the Pony Express Statue
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, established by gaming magnate Bill Harrah, played a role in commemorating the region’s history with the Pony Express statue by Avard Fairbanks. The statue’s placement near the historic Friday’s Station highlights the connection between Tahoe’s modern entertainment industry and its storied past. Harrah’s itself is a landmark, offering insight into Tahoe’s mid-20th-century rise as a tourism and gaming hub.
Kingsbury Grade
This historic mountain pass, originally part of the Pony Express route, remains a vital connection between the Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley. While the modern road is paved, its steep ascent echoes the challenges faced by 19th-century riders and travelers.
Van Sickle Bi-State Park
This park straddles the Nevada-California border near Stateline and is named after Henry Van Sickle, an early rancher who owned a Pony Express relay station at the base of Kingsbury Grade. The park offers hiking trails with historical markers detailing the area’s pioneer history.
Tallac Historic Site
Just west of Stateline, this site preserves remnants of early 20th-century Tahoe luxury. The Tallac Resort was once a destination for wealthy vacationers, featuring grand estates like the Pope and Baldwin estates, now open for tours.
Image from 1973 Postcard
