Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
1. Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office Marker
The discovery of gold in California in 1849 started one of the greatest migrations in American history.
After moving west to seek their fortune in California, people living in mining camps had to travel long distances to a large city to send or receive mail and go to a bank. Sometimes the road to town was treacherous with robbers trying to steal gold from traveling miners.
Henry Wells and William Fargo founded a banking and express company in 1852 to provide services closer to these booming camps. Wells, Fargo & Company transported gold, mail and freight from offices in small mining camps and towns to larger centers of commerce across the country.
This exhibit displays artifacts utilized in a Wells Fargo office in the 1870s. The first Wells, Fargo & Company office in Kern County was established in the early county seat of Havilah in 1867.
In 1959, Stella Zumwalt donated two small ranch houses from Old River to construct this re-creation of a Wells, Fargo and Company express office.
Erected by Kern County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 35° 23.559′ N, 119° 1.244′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Miller and Lux Survey Office (a few steps from this marker); Doctor's Office (a few steps from this marker); Sheepherder's Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Photographer’s Studio (a few steps from this marker); Weller House (a few steps from this marker); Pinkney House (within shouting distance of this marker); Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Bandstand (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Also see . . .
1. History of Wells Fargo – Since 1852. Wells Fargo website entry (Submitted on December 5, 2009.)
2. Wells Fargo (1852–1998). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 29, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
2. Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
3. Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office
4. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office (third building from left) on Chester Avenue near 19th Street, circa 1875.
Lower Photo:
A Wells, Fargo & Company Express office was located inside Andrew Brown's store in Kernville, circa 1887.
Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office (third building from left) on Chester Avenue near 19th Street, circa 1875.
Lower Photo:
A Wells, Fargo & Company Express office was located inside Andrew Brown's store in Kernville, circa 1887.
5. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office near Baker and Sumner Streets in East Bakersfield, circa 1915.
Lower Photo:
Stagecoaches transported mail, freight, gold and other valuable items from small towns to larger cities across the United States.
Lower Photo:
Stagecoaches transported mail, freight, gold and other valuable items from small towns to larger cities across the United States.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
6. Museum Display
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
7. Museum Display
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
8. Museum Display
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
9. Museum Display
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,612 times since then and 48 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week May 6, 2012. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on December 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
