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.br/ br/ A telegraph office here sent messages by Morse Code to other CA cities. Letters and other mail went on a steam boat to San Francisco, 87 miles (140 km) away.br/ br/ 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.br/ br/ The scene is part of the opening ceremony for the eastbound NPEA Re-Ride in 2018.