Pony Express Terminal, Sacramento

The Pony Express Terminal, historically known as the B. F. Hastings Bank Building, is a significant landmark located on 2nd Street in Sacramento. Constructed in 1852, this two-story brick building served as the westernmost point of the Pony Express during its brief operation from 1860 to 1861. Recognized for its historical importance, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

Architecturally, the building features a utilitarian design with a facade that displays four bays facing J Street and nine bays along 2nd Street. A distinctive feature is the single-story canopy that stretches across the sidewalk in front of both facades, upheld by simple square posts. A metal staircase centrally positioned on the 2nd Street side provides access to a second-floor entrance.

Today, the building houses a museum dedicated to the history of Wells Fargo in Sacramento. Visitors can explore a recreated 19th-century Wells Fargo Express Company office, complete with artifacts from the company's history and the California Gold Rush era. The museum also offers exhibits detailing Wells Fargo's involvement in the commerce of the Gold Rush period. This site, along with the Wells Fargo History Museum located in the Wells Fargo Center, provides a comprehensive view of the company's historical significance in the region.