Wells Fargo andthe Pony Express

Wells Fargo’s HistoryWells Fargo remains a vital part of the history of Americans everywhere. Now, more than 150 years later, you can visit the Wells Fargo History Museums and learnall about the rugged individuals who struggled to make their dreams reality.

Tours and educational programs are available with advance reservations.

Admission is free.

For more information about theWells Fargo History Museums,please visit wellsfargohistory.com.

Wells Fargo History Museum locationsSan Francisco–Financial District 420 Montgomery StreetSan Francisco, CA 94163(415) 396-2619Sacramento–Capitol Mall 400 Capitol MallSacramento, CA 95814(916) 440-4161Sacramento–Old Sacramento 1000 Second StreetSacramento, CA 95814(916) 440-4263Los Angeles–Downtown 333 South Grand AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90071(213) 253-7170San Diego–Old Town 2733 San Diego AvenueSan Diego, CA 92110(619) 238-3929Minneapolis–Downtown Sixth Street and Marquette AvenueSkyway Level Minneapolis, MN 55479(612) 667-4210Portland–Downtown1300 SW Fifth Avenue, 2nd FloorPortland, OR 97201(503) 886-1102Phoenix–Downtown145 West Adams StreetPhoenix, AZ 85003(602) 378-1852

Also visit the Alaska Heritage Library Museum 301 West Northern Lights BoulevardAnchorage, AK 99503(907) 265-2834

Tours and educational programs are available with advance reservations. Admission is free.

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FPO

Unfortunately, without government subsidyor lucrative mail contracts, the COC & PPE became known as “Clean Out of Cash & Poor Pay Express.” In April 1861, Wells Fargo took charge of the western end of the route tokeep the Pony Express running. Wells Fargo lowered the rates to $2 per half-ounce, and introduced Wells Fargo postage stamps for use over the entire line.

On July 1, 1861, the Overland Mail Company — controlled by Wells Fargo — shifted its mail service from a southern to a central route. As

the Company’s government contract called for a Pony Express delivery, they took over direct management of the line. The Wells Fargo-controlled Overland Mail Company again lowered rates, to $1 per half-ounce, and carried the mail between San Francisco and Salt Lake City. The COC & PPE continued to operate the eastern leg of the Pony Express.

Pony Express mail left San Francisco on Wednesdays and Saturdays enclosed in the four pockets of a “mochila,” a type of saddle bag, which could hold 20 pounds of express mail. The daring young riders rode an average of 75 miles in nine hours, changing horses up to fi ve times. During the 18-month existence of the Pony Express, riders carried 35,000 letters, two-thirds of which were headed east.

On October 25, 1861, the recently completed overland telegraph ended the thunder of horses’ hooves, but by then the Pony Express had become a larger-than-life Western legend.

Fast horses, braveriders, and lettersfrom across the plainsThe Pony Express began service onApril 3, 1860, when the Central Overland California & Pikes Peak Express (COC & PPE) o� ered revolutionary, lightning-fast ten-day mail delivery between St. Joseph, Missouri, and San Francisco, California.

The Pony Express ran 1,966 miles overthe Central Overland Route, cutting ten days o� mail deliveries via the Butterfi eld route through El Paso and Los Angeles. Initially, customers paid $5 per half-ouncefor the service.

On the coverIn 1925, famed Western artist Maynard Dixon imagined the excitement when the Pony Express brought the news in 1860 of Abraham Lincoln’s election as President.

In 1912, Wells Fargo commemorated its dashing, fearless riders of 50 years before.

wellsfargohistory.com/PonyExpress