An honor guard passes before the 1858 Hastings Building (center), original western terminus of the Pony Express. The dark shutters are cast iron, designed to be closed for fire protection.

A telegraph office here relayed urgent news by Morse Code to other CA cities. Letters and other mail went on a steam boat to San Francisco, 87 miles (140 km) away.

It wasn't long before incoming riders didn't need to come this far. Telegraph wires went up rapidly from both ends and the Pony's run was shortened.

The scene is part of the opening ceremony for the eastbound NPEA Re-Ride in 2018.