The Leavenworth City & Pike's Peak Express Company was formed in February, 1859 by William Russell and John Jones. The express operated between Denver City and Leavenworth City, Kansas Territory with the inaugural trip arriving in Denver on May 7, 1859. Prior to the inaugural trip, Beverly D. Williams had sent out expeditions to set up stations along the route. The cover at right is the earliest reported example of their express handstamp and was probably used from one of these newly established stations.