Overland Mail Celebrates 150th Anniversary

A previous Overland Mail re-enactment. Photos courtesy of James O'Keefe

Several area events are planned to celebrate the first transcontinental mail route, which linked the United States with the California frontier.

On June 9, a driving tour of stage station sites, from Warner Springs to Temecula is planned. Participants will drive their own cars about 50 miles along this historic stage route in north San Diego and Riverside counties, along with noted Overland Mail Route historians Phil Brigandi and Steve Van Wormer.

Guests will learn about the link that was the first regular communication and transportation for the continental United States.

Registration is required and donations to Temecula Valley Museum are appreciated. Guests will meet at Warner Ranch on S-2 at 10 a.m. For more information, contact the Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institute at 760-767-4063 or www.theabf.org.

On June 15-17 there will be a re-enactment of the Overland Mail through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The celebration includes three days of activities, including a two-night campout at Merigan Ranch in Descanso and an 11-mile horseback ride carrying the mail pouch from Cuyamaca Lake through the park to Descanso. Entertainment includes local cowboy poet John Sedberry and local master storyteller Garry McClintock.

Garry McClintock poses with two of his mules.

The event begins at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 15. There will be a potluck dinner and music that night. The ride begins 10 a.m. Saturday from the Sunrise Day Use area. Saturday night there will be dinner, a live band and dancing. A catered breakfast Sunday is set for 7:30 a.m.

The event will be $55 per person for two nights and three days of camping. It will be $35 for dinner and dancing Saturday night only. For more information, contact James O'Keefe, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Interpretive Association at 858-679-2772, ext. 109.

Events are also planned for August and September. n

A 1983 mail re-enactment.