Communities

Letters from incarceration camps

When Japanese Americans were forcibly moved into federal incarceration camps in 1942, their banker J. Elmer Morrish made it his mission to support them in any way possible.

Secret codes that kept transactions safe

In the 1800s, the telegraph allowed Wells Fargo to help customers transfer money securely. To minimize risk, the company used a system of encryption with secret codes.

Responding to the AIDS crisis

A Wells Fargo executive stepped in to lead Shanti Project, a valuable community organization that helped San Franciscans respond to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.

A long history of Spanish-speaking support

Since the 1800s, when Wells Fargo offered in-language services and hired Spanish-speaking employees, the company has strived to best serve its Hispanic customers.

100+ years of celebrating Lunar New Year

Celebrating the Chinese lunar calendar has been a Wells Fargo tradition since 1912.

Good luck comes in red envelopes

Since 1961, Chinese customers preparing Lunar New Year gifts of “lucky money” have turned to Wells Fargo for festive envelopes.

Giving employees time to make an impact

In 1976, Wells Fargo made history by becoming the first major bank to offer employees paid leave to volunteer in their communities in programs of their choice.

Resilience during the Great Depression

The threat of bank runs pushed many banks to find new ways to secure their depositors’ money and provide economic stability to their communities.

Wells Fargo’s bittersweet sacrifice of WWI

Why Wells Fargo & Co. closed more than 10,000 express offices around the country over 100 years ago.