Two black men (allegedly) carried the mails on the Pony Express. William Robinson rode the mail from Stockton to the mines and George Monroe rode between Merced.

Source: Katz, The Black West.

It should be noted, however, that while there may have been a horseback mail route between Stockton and the mines, the Overland Pony Express of 1860-61 did not follow this route.

Jackie Lewin, Currator, St. Joseph Museum, writes

"We often get questions regarding black riders. Unfortunately, at this time, I don't have any evidence that any were black."