The Pony Express and the Civil War

By 1859 more gold was discovered in Colorado and Saint Joseph was booming. The East was about to be linked to Saint Joseph via the Hannibal saint Joseph railway. There was desire to link the east to California and the west. From this need came the Pony Express. Saint Joseph had become the linking point. But at the same time it was entering a great trial that would set it back- the Civil War. Saint Joseph became a key spot in the war. Not as to all out battles such as Gettysburg or Vicksburg or Shiloh, etc. But it was crucial to link the East and the West. It was a disputed city in a disputed state. The Star of Missouri appeared on both the Rebel flag and the Union flag. The city was divided and much trouble came. Saint Joseph's growth was stunted by the events of the Civil War in it's streets.