Today I have received half a dozen calls asking about stagecoaches. Now, I will post the answers for the whole world. And refer the next series of questions to Guided By History—the name lives!
In 1852, Henry Wells and William Fargo founded Wells Fargo & Co. From 1866 to 1869, Wells Fargo operated the major overland stagecoach routes west of the Missouri River, covering 2,500 miles of territory. The Company used top-of-the-line stagecoaches crafted by the Abbot-Downing company of Concord, New Hampshire.
The rounded wood Concord Coach body rested on leather straps called thoroughbraces—a unique suspension system that provided a rocking ride. Mark Twain described the Concord Coach as "a cradle on wheels."
Skilled drivers guided teams of four or six horses at an average speed of five miles per hour. The driver was the undisputed captain, the master of the road. Sitting next to the driver was a rare privilege, by invitation only.
For passengers, all seats cost the same price, and none was reserved. Leather seats inside the coach seated up to nine passengers. Nine more could perch on the roof, hanging on for dear life. Each traveler on an overland stagecoach was allowed only twenty-five pounds of baggage.
While exciting, travel by stage became a test of endurance. Stagecoaches were on the move night and day and stopped only to change horses every twelve miles. Every forty-five miles or so, driver and passengers could get a quick meal at "home" stations.
If you were planning a long trip by stage, what would you pack? A California newspaper suggested this packing list for gentlemen in 1858: 
- One pair of thick boots and woolen pants
- Six pairs of wool socks
- Six undershirts
- Two pairs thick drawers (underwear)
- Cotton sack coat
- Soldier’s wool overcoat
- A broad-brimmed hat
- Long leather gloves
- One pair blankets for summer, two in winter
- One piece of India rubber cloth
- A small oilskin bag of needles, pins, sponge
- Hair brush, comb, and soap
- Three or four towels
The best way to travel, if hindsight is any judge, was to be tough and running away from something. In such a state, nothing was too uncomfortable. All the same, there was a "Tips for Travelers" list that circulated at the time. (We are still unable to pin down its actual source.). Above all, it was best to "expect annoyances, discomfort and some hardship."
January 4, 2008 1:35 PM | Reply
I was wondering where I could get information and the routes/stops of the stage coach runs in Northern Arizona, Prescott, Kingman, Flagstaff and surounding areas. Thanks
February 1, 2008 3:05 PM | Reply
Did women travel on the stages in the 1850s & 1860s, (specifically through AZ & So Cal)?--or was this primarily a male thing?
February 20, 2009 10:06 AM | Reply
I have heard that the wells fargo hands had special boots
circa 1865??
Do know of these and do of any one making them.
March 13, 2009 9:57 AM | Reply
Hi George:
Because the Old West resonates so much with people, things that seem authentic can be "made" authentic by applying another Western personality on them: Tombstone, Dodge City, Kit Carson -- and Wells Fargo. Over the years, people have applied our name to guns, tea kettles, badges and trunks. The goal is to make an ordinary object more desirable.
Over time, these objects may become believable due to their age. And people may hear stories of such objects, like boots.
Wells Fargo never made boots, guns, hats, buckles, lamps, bullets, bowls or brass maps.
Thanks for checking, though!