United States History On This Date: April 3

1860 — The Pony Express Begins Service

The first Pony Express rider departed St. Joseph, Missouri, launching a 2,000‑mile relay system that carried letters to California in just 10 days. Though short‑lived, the service became a symbol of frontier ingenuity and rapid communication, bridging vast distances before the telegraph changed everything.

1776 — Congress Authorizes Privateers Against Britain

Facing a shortage of naval power, the Continental Congress authorized private ships to attack British vessels. This early wartime measure helped disrupt British supply lines and gave American merchants a direct role in the Revolutionary War effort.

1865 — Union Forces Capture Richmond

After months of siege, Union troops entered Richmond, Virginia — the Confederate capital — marking a decisive moment in the Civil War. President Lincoln visited the city the next day, walking its streets as freed slaves cheered his arrival.

1882 — Jesse James Is Murdered

Outlaw Jesse James was shot in the back by gang member Robert Ford, who betrayed him for reward money. James had become a folk legend, but his death marked the end of a violent era of post‑Civil War banditry.