- In 1850, Henry Wells had a company that carried cargo between New York and what was then the wild West.
- William Fargo was a business person in American Express, a large package shipment company.
- In 1852, these two men partnered, merged their companies, and made Wells Fargo.
- The new company moved cargo over several dangerous trails in areas full of bandits.
- Wells and Fargo wanted this company because it would transport items that were worth a *great deal of money*. For example, gold, silver and jewels.
- Since so many people needed protection for their items Wells Fargo added armed guards. These guarded Wells Fargo coaches from bandits and other groups.
- Later on, Wells Fargo moved into the banking industry. It provided services such as bank accounts, loans, mortgages, investments and many more.
- Wells Fargo had to survive the panic of 1907, the great depression, and many recessions.
- Wells Fargo is still one of the largest and best known banks in the United States to this very day.