Chinatown in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Western Headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Waddell

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 11, 2021

1. Western Headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Waddell Marker

Inscription. This was the site of the western business headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Waddell -- founders, owners, and operators of the Pony Express, 1860-1861. The firm's main office was in Leavenworth, Kansas. W.W. Finney was the western representative in San Francisco.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 696

Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Society of California Pioneers, April 1, 1960.

Erected 1960 by California State Park Commission. (Marker Number 696.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1850.

Location. 37° 47.699′ N, 122° 24.2′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Chinatown. Marker is at the intersection of Montgomery Street and Merchant Street, on the right when traveling south on Montgomery Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Montgomery Street, San Francisco CA 94111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); Commander John B. Montgomery's Landing Site

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Italy (within shouting distance of this marker); The Montgomery Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of First U.S. Branch Mint (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bummer and Lazarus (about 300 feet away); The Black Cat Café (about 300 feet away); Hudson's Bay Company (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Also see . . . The Founders. XPHomestation.com's overview of Russell, Majors, and Waddell - the founders of the Pony Express. (Submitted on August 1, 2010.)

Pony Express Ad (Sacramento Union, May 21, 1860, p. 4) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Photocopy Of Microfilm Of Newspaper, May 21, 1860

2. Pony Express Ad (Sacramento Union, May 21, 1860, p. 4)

This ad in the Sacramento Union (click on picture for a better view) advertises delivery of messages from San Francisco to New York in eight days by the Pony Express of the "Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express". As noted, "Letters will be received at San Francisco until 4 o'clock P.M. each day of departure. Office, Alta Telegraph Office, 153 Montgomery Street, corner Merchant Street."

Western Headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Waddell Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 18, 2010

3. Western Headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Waddell Marker - Wide View

The marker is visible here, mounted to a low cement base, in the shadows at the corner of the HSBC Bank building.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,315 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 12, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on July 30, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on August 1, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.