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The only line of communication that could be used were the rivers.
The steamboat companies built warehouses on the banks of the great rivers in the mid-west.
Rivers were limited as transport system. The goods had to be carried to and from the warehouses on their bank. -
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Wells Fargo and Company was founded.
Provided express and banking services. -
California banking system collapsed in 1855, Wells Fargo was one of the few who survived the panic.
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Easiest way to get to California from the east coast was by sea.
The journey could take up to eighteen months.
In 1856, 75,000 Californians signed a petition demanding that congress set up an overland route to the far west.
Ships carried coffee, sugar, machinery, cloth, shoes and spices. -
Congress decided that the contract to carry mail to and from the west would be given to the company that took fewer than twenty-five days to make the journey.
On 10th October 1858, a heavy wheeled stage coach raced for the west coast, reaching the coast in twenty-four days.
Overland rail company linked east and west, offering a twice monthly mail service. -
Overland Mail and control of the company was passed to Wells Fargo.
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Wells Fargo took over western part of the Pony Express.
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The west’s most direct means of east-west communication.
Mounted Riders faster and more reliable.
There were around 190 Pony Express Stations.
Announced its closure on the 26 October 1861. -
Completed on May 10.
Would take only a few days to travel the 1,600 mile trip cross country.
Gave birth to a Railroad Empire and put California on the map.