As one of the longest-running organizations in the United States, it is nearly impossible to tell the history of the US without mentioning Western Union. With connections to the founding of Ivy League colleges, the creation of the Dow Jones stock market index, and even the whimsical Candygram, Western Union has played a monumental role in American history. As millions of people worldwide continue to rely on Western Union’s vital services, we believe that it is worthwhile to provide a brief history of the company.
History of Western Union
Founded in Rochester, New York, in 1851, Western Union began operations as a telegraph company. The Western Union Telegraph Company became the official name five years later after a merger with several other companies. The proponent of that change came from Ezra Cornell, one of the controlling owners in the merger and the co-founder of Cornell University.
Western Union quickly rose to prominence in the crucial telegraph industry and eventually established the first transcontinental telegraph line. The next few decades saw them acquire and merge with several other telegraph companies, as well as expand their business to offer services such as wire money transfers. This success led to Western Union becoming one of the original eleven companies included in the Dow Jones stock market index on the New York Stock Exchange.
Western Union adapted to the decline of the telegram by focusing on money transfers, creating Western Union Internation Services LLC in 1963. In 1959, they promoted the Candygram as a Valentine’s day gift, which was a box of chocolates that could be included with a telegram. To this day, Western Union’s financial services make them one of the largest money transfer businesses in the world, and millions of dollars are transmitted every day thanks to their operations.
Where to Find Western Union Services
If you are interested in sending money through a Western Union money transfer, then come to any of the WSCE locations in Illinois. We are a licensed Western Union agent and will happily facilitate the transfer for you so that you can have peace of mind.
