-
Steamboats and Stage Coaches
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. -
Period: to
Lines of Communication
-
Wells Fargo and Company
Wells Fargo and Company was founded.
Provided express and banking services. -
Wells Fargo and Company ...
California banking system collapsed in 1855, Wells Fargo was one of the few who survived the panic. -
Sea Routes to the West
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. -
John Butterfield and the Overland Mail Company
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. -
Wells Fargo and the Overland Mail Company
Overland Mail and control of the company was passed to Wells Fargo. -
Wells Fargo and the Pony Express
Wells Fargo took over western part of the Pony Express. -
The Pony Express
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. -
The Railroad
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.