Back in 1860 the Pony Express chose the building in front of you, the B. F. Hastings Bank Building at 1000 2nd Street, as its western endpoint. Built in 1852, this two-story brick structure sits on the southwest corner of 2nd and J Streets in Sacramento's historic downtown. When the Pony Express began service in 1860 this building was selected by its operators and served as the western endpoint of the Pony Express during the service's operation from 1860 to 1861.
Take in the simple, honest lines: four bays facing J Street and nine to 2nd Street, a single-story canopy stretching across the sidewalk on both facades supported by plain square posts, and the metal staircase rising on the 2nd Street façade to a second-floor entrance. In 1966 the building was declared a National Historic Landmark; it is also California Historical Landmark No. 606 and part of Old Sacramento State Historic Park, itself a National Historic Landmark District. Today it houses a museum dedicated to the history of Wells Fargo.
Notice the canopy stretching along the sidewalk, down 2nd Street and across to J Street.