Pony Express Terminal facts for kids
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Pony Express Terminal
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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B. F. Hastings Bank Building
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 Location in Sacramento, California
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1000 2nd St., Sacramento, California |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1852 |
| Part of | Old Sacramento Historic District (ID66000219) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000220 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | July 4, 1961 |
| Designated CP | January 12, 1965 |
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The Pony Express Terminal, also known as the B. F. Hastings Bank Building, is a super important old building in Sacramento, California. It was built way back in 1852. This building was the very last stop for the famous Pony Express riders from 1860 to 1861. The Pony Express was a mail service that used horses and riders to deliver messages quickly across the country.
This building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Today, it's home to a museum all about the history of Wells Fargo. It's also part of Old Sacramento State Historic Park, which is another important historic area. The B. F. Hastings Bank Building is also recognized as California Historical Landmark No. 606.
What the Building Looks Like
The B.F. Hastings Bank Building is in the old part of downtown Sacramento. You can find it at the corner of 2nd and J Streets. It's a two-story building made of brick. It has four sections facing J Street and nine sections facing 2nd Street.
There's a roof-like cover, called a canopy, that goes over the sidewalk in front of both sides of the building. Simple square posts hold it up. On the 2nd Street side, there's a metal staircase in the middle that leads up to an entrance on the second floor.
A Glimpse into History
This building was finished in 1852. When the Pony Express started its amazing mail service in 1860, this very building was chosen as its western end. Imagine, the riders started all the way in St. Joseph, Missouri, which is more than 1,800 miles (about 2,900 km) away!
This building also served as the first home for the California Supreme Court. That's the highest court in California!
The Wells Fargo Museum Today
Today, the building is one of two museums in Sacramento that tell the story of Wells Fargo. This museum shows what a Wells Fargo Express Company office looked like in the 1800s. You can see old items from the company's past and the exciting California Gold Rush era.
The exhibits explain how Wells Fargo played a big part in business during the Gold Rush in California. (The other Wells Fargo History Museum in Sacramento is located in the Wells Fargo Center.)
See also
