Memorable Stagecoach Travels
By SharLeigh

The Stagecoach era had some interesting drivers, famous bandits and, of course, a list of etiquette one used when traveling. Twenty-five days in such close quarters could lead to some very interesting adventures. Charlie Parkhurst was one of Wells Fargo’s best drivers. He drove for 19 years and was only held up twice. The first time, Charlie was without a gun and had to throw down the strongbox, but the second time he was prepared. When ordered to halt, he swung around and blasted the bandit square in the chest. Charlie was small, wiry, and shy with a sharp, high-pitched voice. When he died it was discovered that he was a she!

The Wells Fargo strongbox was a definite lure for bandits because it could hold gold, checks, bank drafts and legal papers. The shotgun messengers were the men that guarded the strongboxes. They were very dependable and most carried a sawed-off shotgun. But despite the shotgun messenger, one highwayman robbed the stagecoaches 27 times. His name was Black Bart and he traded poetry for gold, actually leaving poems in place of strongboxes. He always signed them “PO8”. Bart’s apparel was unique too, wearing a flower sack over his head with a derby hat over it. He was finally caught when he left behind a handkerchief and the laundry mark was traced to a San Francisco laundry. Yes, he was foiled by a laundry mark. Black Bart, aka Charles E. Bolton, was a respectable mine engineer. He did his time, which was 4 years in San Quentin, and then disappeared forever.

Stage travel was difficult at best. “Hints for Plains Travelers” was published in 1877. The article was very helpful for unsuspecting travelers. Listed are some of the tips offered: Don’t smoke a strong pipe early in the morning; Spit on the leeward side of the coach; If you have anything in a bottle, pass it around; Don’t swear nor lop over on your neighbor when sleeping; Don’t grease your hair before starting or dust will stick there in sufficient quantities to make a respectable “tater” patch. Even Mark Twain wrote a story about Stagecoach travel called “Roughing It.” It may have been a very rough ride, but for many years it was the only way to travel.