LEEDS — A historical discussion of American stagecoaches will be presented by Gary Dixon at the Silver Reef Museum on Feb. 16 and Feb. 21, both at 11 a.m. Dixon will describe the construction of and the routes taken by those that criss-crossed the nation during the 19th Century and will focus particularly on the Wells Fargo Express Company.
Dixon, who has made an extensive study of transportation during the late 19th Century, will discuss the influence these coaches had on American business, travel, and communication.
“A Wells Fargo stagecoach could cross the country in 10 days,” Dixon said, “at a time when the U.S. Mail was limited to the eastern states, except for mail that was shipped from New York around the horn to San Francisco, taking 45 days.”
Additionally, Dixon will discuss related movements such as the Pony Express, the trans-continental telegraph, and the railroad to show how they supported and related to each other in the general exodus westward.
“The Pony Express was respected enough,” Dixon said, “that an association was formed in each state to re-enact the famous rides each year, delivering mail along the way.”
Dixon joined the Nevada association and has ridden the trail in nine different years.
Event details and resources
- What: Historical discussion of American stagecoaches
- When: Feb. 16, 21 at 11 a.m.
- What: Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Road, Leeds, Utah
- Silver Reef Museum website
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Bender wants to hear about that feller’s American Scruffstache.
Should take a cab instead it’s cheaper
Really wanted to come to this, but was tricked by life! School was out, no sitterfor ornery son 🙁