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Henry Wells and William Fargo launch American Express to solve the chaotic probl
Featured Event 1850 Event

March 18

American Express Founded: Wells and Fargo Start a Delivery Empire

Henry Wells and William Fargo launch American Express to solve the chaotic problem of moving money across a rapidly expanding United States without relying on unreliable local banks. Their creation of a standardized letter of credit system instantly enabled secure transactions for travelers and businesses, laying the financial groundwork for modern global commerce.

March 18, 1850

176 years ago

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