Originally a pioneer and Indian trading post during the 1850's, the settlement first took the name of “Deer Creek Station” as a relay terminal for the Overland Stage system. In 1860, it became a “home station” for the Pony Express.
A remarkable feat of courage by pony rider Henry Avis took place here, resulting in the Pony Express Co. paying him a bonus of $300 for exceptional bravery. Upon reaching Horseshoe Station (about a mile south of present-day Glendo, Wyoming) Avis found the relay rider unwilling to carry the mail. Up ahead marauding Sioux Indians were on the warpath, making the trail a veritable death trap. Undaunted, Avis changed horses ... and rode into the night. He reached Deer Creek only to find the station abandoned, the station keeping missing and all relay mounts stolen. The compound matters, the eastbound pony rider arrived, he too refusing to ride further. So, once more Avis took the saddle, returning to Horseshoe Station. Without a rest, he had covered 220 dangerous and bone-weary miles. |