Wells Fargo History Services

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.
Stories:
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.
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.
Abby Fisher brought her good Alabama cooking to San Francisco. In 1881, in response to popular demand, she published her recipes through the Women's Co-operative Printing Union. A Wells Fargo banker helped incorporate the firm, and these female printers worked on Montgomery Street; the site of Wells Fargo's first office, and currently the location of its headquarters.