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started to provide “express” banking services to California due to its rapid growth during the gold rush. Early on the company began undertaking the transfer of gold and mail from east to west and west to east, much of this done via stagecoaches or single riders prior to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Due to their reputation for carrying valuables,
18 including gold, these stagecoaches became desirable targets for bandits
guards are believed to be the origin of the phrase, “riding shotgun”. Wells Fargo gradually acquired more express companies through the end of the 19th century, including operating a portion of the Pony Express. From 1872 onward, Wells Fargo struck a deal with operate express services over the Transcontinental Railroad, and as the railroad expanded, the use of stagecoaches declined. These stagecoaches operated by Wells Fargo and
and mail, but also passengers, providing one of the quickest and safest modes of transport in the American West prior to the construction of the railroad. Though the railroad began the decline of stagecoach use in the West, stagecoach lines continued to bridge the gaps between the railroad and final rural destinations into the early 20th century.
LOT 3011
Unique Custom Made U.S. Mail/Wells Fargo & Company Marked Concord Style Full-Size Stagecoach - Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo was
and desperadoes. Between 1870 and 1884 there were approximately 347 attempted or successful stagecoach robberies, leading Wells Fargo and other companies to send armed guards on their stages. These armed
many other companies not only carried goods