The Express Agent. One Tough Cookie!

 In 1858, President James Buchanan predicted that America would one day be "bound east and west by a chain of Americans which can never be broken." His words rang true as Expressmen worked tirelessly to facilitate trade and communication between Eastern and Western territories. Through their freight and stagecoach services, they transported goods, people, money, and mail across vast distances. By 1860, the Pony Express riders were able to deliver mail across more than half the country in just 10 days - an impressive feat.

That being said, the U.S. Marshals, notoriously known for their toughness and bravery, were not the only fearless law enforcement officials of the time. The express car guards who protected valuable cargo on trains were just as courageous. And is it any wonder?

After the Civil War, train robberies became a lucrative industry for outlaws, with the most coveted target being an express car carrying large sums of money. Inside the car, an express agent was tasked with defending the cargo at all costs. This meant using any means necessary, from barricading the door to taking down any would-be robbers.

Unfortunately, the outlaws were not easily deterred and often resorted to extreme measures such as blowing up the barricaded door, resulting in injuries or even death for the agent inside. In one instance, an unsuspecting outlaw was lured into the car by a seemingly surrendering agent, only to be dealt a deadly blow with an ice maul. These agents were far from pacifists.

The Expressmen's contributions to shaping a budding civilization

cannot be overstated - a fact acknowledged in paintings by Western artists featured here and in the following pages. However, their efforts were eventually overshadowed by the advent of railroads and telegraphs. But during their time, these dedicated individuals persevered as though the fate of their young nation rested upon their shoulders - because it did.

Until next time!

Kit