Just north of 7200 South street, on the west side of State Street, stood Travelers’ Rest, or Traders’ Rest, the first pony express station out of Salt Lake City. This station was probably used only for a short time, and no evidence of its existence can be found at the site. The location is marked by a granite marker placed by the Pony Express Trail Association.
Richard F. Fike and John W. Headley locate this first station site west of Salt Lake City nine miles south of the Salt Lake House. The station once stood on State Street in an area referred to as Lovendahl’s Corner. Some sources generally identify this first relay station as Trader’s Rest or Traveler’s Rest. The 1861 mail contract identified Trader’s Rest Station, where Absalom Smith managed station operations. After the Pony Express era, someone added wood siding and a false front to the adobe building to convert it into a business establishment. The building was also used as a garage prior to its destruction sometime before 1979.




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Hi there! I believe my great great grandparents, Walter and Rose White had the first Pony Express. My family records show it was 10 miles south of Salt Lake City and was called “Travelers Rest.” I’m currently researching my family history and decided to dig into the information a little more. Do you know if there are any photos or other documents that exist?
Thanks so much,
Lori
I don’t have photos yet but here’s where it was:
https://jacobbarlow.com/2014/06/04/pony-express-station/