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 very old building in Sacramento, California. It stands at 1000 2nd Street. This building is famous because it was the western end of the Pony Express from 1860 to 1861. The Pony Express was a super-fast mail service.
The building was built in 1852. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Today, it holds a museum about the history of Wells Fargo. It is also part of the Old Sacramento State Historic Park. This park is also a National Historic Landmark District. The B. F. Hastings Bank Building is also a California Historical Landmark (No. 606).
Contents
What the Building Looks Like
The B.F. Hastings Bank Building is in the old part of Sacramento. You can find it at the corner of 2nd and J Streets. It is a two-story building made of brick. It has a simple, classic design.
The building has four sections facing J Street and nine sections facing 2nd Street. A roof-like cover, called a canopy, goes over the sidewalk. It is held up by simple square posts. On the 2nd Street side, a metal staircase leads up to an entrance on the second floor.
A Look Back at History
Building's Early Days
This important building was finished in 1852. It quickly became a key spot in Sacramento. Many important things happened here.
The Pony Express Connection
In 1860, the Pony Express started its amazing mail service. The B. F. Hastings Bank Building was chosen as the very last stop in the west. The Pony Express riders carried mail all the way from St. Joseph, Missouri. That was more than 1,800 miles (2,900 km) away! This building was where their long journey ended.
California's First Supreme Court
Besides the Pony Express, this building also held another important office. It was the first home of the California Supreme Court. This court makes big decisions for the state.
Wells Fargo History Museum
Today, the building is home to a Wells Fargo museum. This museum shows what a Wells Fargo office looked like in the 1800s. You can see old tools and items from the California Gold Rush. The exhibits teach you about Wells Fargo's role in the Gold Rush. There is another Wells Fargo museum in Sacramento, but this one is special.
See also
