Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo today offers three publications on its history : a richly illustrated overview and two books on our company’s rich stagecoach heritage.

 

Images of America…Wells Fargo
a 120-page illustrated paperback from Arcadia Press
$19.99 plus tax and shipping

 

The Butterfield Overland Mail, By Waterman Ormsby.
A fascinating recount of the only through passenger on the first westbound stage.
$19.95 Plus shipping and handling. 172 pg. paperback

 

Stagecoaches…Across the American West, By John A.
Sells. . Wonderfully Illustrated book on Stagecoaches and the express routes of the west.
$44.95 Plus shipping and handling. 320 pg, full-page paperback

 

July 25, 1868. Wells Fargo demonstrated that attention to business made it number one. The Pacific Union Express Company sprang up, challenging Wells Fargo throughout California and Nevada. Who would be first with the news? "The steamer Orizaba arrived at San Pedro," the Los Angeles Star reported, where Banning & Co. took charge of Wells, Fargo & Co's Express, while Tomlinson & Co. performed the same service for Pacific Union. Off they went, bound for Los Angeles 25 miles away. Wells Fargo messenger S.B. Vaughn charged away on a horse, while a light buggy served the new express. Three changes of horses later, the express arrived in the City of Angels. "Time," the paper announced, "Wells, Fargo & Co., 1 hour and 3 minutes, beating the Pacific Union by 28 minutes." Customers felt, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," and the Pacific Union Express folded.