This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
How Rail Express Was Born
In 1839 William F. Harnden started a passenger trainer based package service on a Boston line. this marked the birth of REA Express. By 1861 the Pony Express faded with telegraph, while multiple express firms grew and merged, culminating in Railways Express Agency. By early 20th century more than 20 express services operated. REA became industry giant, later facing ownership and legal challenges.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
UPI
Boston
William F. Harnden
REA Express
Pony Express
U.S
Harnden
Boston and Worcester Railroad
Alvin F. Adams
South
American Express
Wells Fargo
Midwest
Far West
Missouri
California
Omaha
San Francisco
Railway Express Agency Inc
REA