• montage-02montage-03montage-04montage-05montage-06montage-07montage-08montage-09montage-10

Wells Fargo Stagecoach Company: The Rules of The Road

Stagecoach Rules

Charley Parkhurst began driving stagecoaches for the Birch Stagecoach Company upon her arrival in Sacramento in 1849. By 1850, the Birch Company merged with Wells Fargo to create the Wells Fargo & Company Overland Stage, and Charley was put in charge of a brand new Concord Stagecoach, longer runs and more treacherous routes than ever.

Along with more responsibilities, came the following stipulations for a pleasant ride aboard the new Wells Fargo coaches that all drivers were expected to provide to the passengers:

Wells Fargo Stagecoach Rules of the Road

Adherence to the Following Rules will Insure a Pleasant Trip for All

 

Abstinence from liquor is requested, but if you must drink, share the bottle. To do otherwise makes you appear selfish and un-neighborly.

  Abstain entirely in cold weather – you’ll freeze twice as fast under the influence.

  If ladies are present, gentlemen are urged to forgo smoking cigars and pipes as the odor of the same is repugnant to the Gentle Sex. Chewing tobacco is permitted, but spit with the wind, not against it.

 Gentlemen must refrain from the use of rough language in the presence of ladies and children.

 Buffalo robes provided for your comfort during cold weather. Hogging robes will not be tolerated and the offender will be made to ride with the driver.

 Don’t snore loudly or lop over your neighbors while sleeping or use your fellow passenger’s shoulder for a pillow; he or she may not understand and friction may result.

 Firearms may be kept on your person for use in emergencies. Do not fire them for pleasure or shoot at wild animals as the sound riles the horses.

 In the event of runaway horses, remain calm. Leaping from the coach in panic will leave you injured, at the mercy of the elements, hostile Indians and hungry wolves. If the team runs away, sit still and take your chances.

 Forbidden topic of discussion are stagecoach robberies and Indian uprisings. Also don’t discuss politics or religion, nor point out places on the road where horrible murders have been committed.

 Gents guilty of unchivalrous behavior toward lady passengers will be put off the stage. It’s a long walk back. A word to the wise is sufficient.

 Expect annoyance, discomfort and some hardships. If you are disappointed, thank heaven.

Speak Your Mind

*