African Americans joined the thousands of people worldwide who searched for gold. Out West they found boundless opportunity, and often through their earnings bought freedom for enslaved relatives. As they settled into communities and professions during the 1850s, Wells, Fargo & Co. both served and employed African Americans.
"We Stand" video produced and provided by Wells Fargo's diversity segment.
Learn more about our African American Heritage:Press play on videos below to view.
Hundreds of African-Americans became '49rs to search for California's gold, working along side the thousands who came from across the nation and around the world. Wells, Fargo & Co. gave trusted financial and express services to all, "...Men, women or children, rich or poor, white or black."
William Robison drove for Wells Fargo between Stockton, California, and Sierra Nevada gold mines. Born in Virginia, Robison gained freedom serving with the U.S. Army; he arrived in 1847 during the Mexican-American War. While employed as a Wells Fargo wagon driver, Robison worked for civil rights and built his community.
A credit officer for Wells Fargo in Sacramento, Colonel George S. Roberts was one of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, the first African Americans to fly during World War II. He flew 78 combat missions over Europe.
Stagecoach driver George Monroe's father was a '49er from Georgia, and Monroe became the top reinsman for the Yosemite Stage & Turnpike Company. The passengers he carried into this gorgeous national treasure included three U.S. Presidents. Ulysses S. Grant, a fine judge of horses and driving, rode on the driver's seat beside Monroe.
Hundreds of African-Americans became '49rs to search for California's gold, working along side the thousands who came from across the nation and around the world. Wells, Fargo & Co. gave trusted financial and express services to all, "...Men, women or children, rich or poor, white or black." 
William Robison drove for Wells Fargo between Stockton, California, and Sierra Nevada gold mines. Born in Virginia, Robison gained freedom serving with the U.S. Army; he arrived in 1847 during the Mexican-American War. While employed as a Wells Fargo wagon driver, Robison worked for civil rights and built his community. 
A credit officer for Wells Fargo in Sacramento, Colonel George S. Roberts was one of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, the first African Americans to fly during World War II. He flew 78 combat missions over Europe. 
Stagecoach driver George Monroe's father was a '49er from Georgia, and Monroe became the top reinsman for the Yosemite Stage & Turnpike Company. The passengers he carried into this gorgeous national treasure included three U.S. Presidents. Ulysses S. Grant, a fine judge of horses and driving, rode on the driver's seat beside Monroe. 