Tombstone in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Wells Fargo & Company

1879

Photographed by James Hulse, June 16, 2024

1. Wells Fargo & Company Marker

Inscription. Wells Fargo had several locations in Tombstone. They were the major carrier of mail, bullion and payroll in the early years. While they hired agents and shotgun messengers, they contracted with local stage coach lines to carry express cargo. Messengers rode beside the drivers to protect passengers and valuable cargo. Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan Earp were shotgun messengers while in Tombstone. Due to the amounts of money, bullion and valuables they carried, Wells Fargo was a major target for robbery. In one attempt to rob the stage, a driver and passenger were shot, though the robbery was not successful. The messenger, Bob Paul, was able to regain the reins and drive the stage safely to Benson. They hired detectives to apprehend thieves and offered rewards for their capture. In 1918, the federal government combined all of the express companies and only the banking portion retained the Wells Fargo name.

Captions
Illustration courtesy of the Wells Fargo Archives collection

Erected 2009 by Tombstone Restoration Commission. (Marker Number 29.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce

Paid Advertisement

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• Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location. 31° 42.726′ N, 110° 3.933′ W. Marker is in Tombstone, Arizona, in Cochise County. It is at the intersection of East Allen Street and South 6th Street, on the left when traveling west on East Allen Street. The marker is located along the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 517 E Allen St, Tombstone AZ 85638, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Sky Islands

and in Southeastern Arizona.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Gadsden Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: M. Calisher General Store (a few steps from this marker); Curly Bill Brocius Killed Marshal Fred White Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Bird Cage Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Bird Cage Theatre (within shouting

The Wells Fargo & Company building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 16, 2024

2. The Wells Fargo & Company building and Marker

distance of this marker); The Oriental Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); City Marshall Virgil Earp (within shouting distance of this marker); Owl Cafe and Tourist Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); "Buckskin" Frank Leslie & Luke Short (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tombstone.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 754 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.