INTERACTIVE TOUR
Explore the stagecoach
When Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 as a bank and express company, they used stagecoaches to safely transport mail, valuables, and even people across the western states. The stagecoach became an icon for the Wells Fargo brand, and remains an enduring symbol of longevity, forward momentum and a commitment to help customers succeed. Have a look around one of our historic coaches.
Checkout our stagecoach video tour
Behold the stagecoach
[Video Overview: This video showcases a model of one of Wells Fargo’s original stagecoaches that was used to transport money and people during the Gold Rush and early days of the bank. This video shows the stagecoach from different angles. Animated text reveals the various features of the coach and how it was used.]
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Parking Karma required
Don’t even try to fit this in your garage. It stands over 9’ (3 meters) tall, 13’ (4 meters) long, and 7’ (2 meters) wide.
Braking
While holding reins in both hands, the driver operated the brake lever by foot.
Horsepower
Teams of four or six horses pulled the stagecoach.
All aboard
Historic Stagecoach No. 186 was built in 1864 in Concord, New Hampshire.
Movers and shakers
Intrepid passengers (up to 9) could also catch a ride if their schedule and budget allowed. In 1867, a journey from Sacramento to Omaha took about 15 days.
Marketing model
Even when the bank was no longer using stagecoaches to do business, the stagecoach lived on as a familiar figure in the bank’s marketing.
Riding shotgun
“Riding shotgun” was the real deal in these coaches. Sitting next to the river came with extra responsibilities.
Precious cargo
Stagecoaches securely carried gold, money, and mail. Valuables were stored in locked treasure boxes carried under the driver’s feet.
Trusted driver
“Passengers do not realize the debt of gratitude to the company, and especially the drivers.” Writer Lisle Lester (Sophia Walker), 1864.
Cradle on wheels
The thoroughbrace suspension created a distinct rocking motion, leading Mark Twain to describe the stagecoach as a “cradle on wheels.”
Thousand of miles
From 1866 to 1869, Wells Fargo stagecoaches connected communities across nearly three thousand miles.
Superior suspension
What made the stagecoach unique? Its suspension system — called thoroughbraces — used thick leather straps instead of metal springs used in carriages and wagons.
Pop culture icon
The Wells Fargo stagecoach has been remembered by generations of people through movies, TV shows, and more.
Showing our colors
Red and gold adorned our Wells Fargo stagecoaches, and they remain our core brand colors today.
Passenger
In May 1868, Mary Sharp traveled by stagecoach to Helena, Montana. Soon after arrival, she married George Lutky.
In the boot
The stagecoach carried bags of mail in the rear boot. In some areas, the stagecoach was the quickest way to hear from friends, family, and business partners.
Following a tradition
When the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge opened in 1863, Wells Fargo joined the community in celebrating by taking this historic coach for a ride across the bridge.
Event of the day
“All over the western country, it [the arrival of the stagecoach] was the same great event of the day. Hotel lobbies and sidewalks were full of loiterers waiting for some kind of news to spread through the town, and the idle curious to see who was aboard.” Carrie Strahorn, 1911.
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