Though the job of a stagecoach driver may not initially seem as dangerous as some professions in the Old West such as working as a cowboy, gambler, soldier or lawman, this profession did, in fact, require a bold and strong character. From the earliest days of stage-coaching, these many men and women, who went by several nicknames such as “whip,” “Charlie,” “jehu,” reinsman, and others, has been likened to the Roman chariot racers of centuries ago. Not just anyone could handle the job that required excellent horsemanship, driving skills, and often great courage as they traveled through hostile Indian country and were the constant target of bandits.

The many stage routes covered a variety of terrain on often narrow and rugged trails, through deep sands, endless mud, and along steep inclines.

Though there were far more men in the profession, there were also women who acted as stage drivers, such as Charley Parkhurst, Mary Fields, and Delia Haskett Rawson. Regardless of gender, most all were under the age of 40. On some routes, each driver would have his or her own section, which they would drive over and over, generally covering about 50 miles.   

The drivers controlled the teams with the use of the reins and their whips, which were often made to their exact specification.  If their coaches carried the U.S. Mail, they required to swear the "Oath of Mail Contractors and Carriers." Often carrying valuable freight, especially around mining camps, shotgun messengers rode with the stage in order to protect the cargo and passengers.

As to the owners and operators of the stage lines, who obviously stood to make or lose the most money, they were referred to as "Stagers." Unfortunately, for many of these transportation entrepreneurs, the "staging" business was unprofitable and they wound up in bankruptcy. However, though they have changed the business focus, American Express and Wells-Fargo continue to operate today.

William "Buffalo Bill" Frederick Cody (1846-1917) - Buffalo Bill was a freighter, cattle driver, Pony Express rider, stagecoach driver, a Civil War soldier, a buffalo hunter and army scout before he began entertaining great numbers of people in his Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.

Mary Fields, aka: Stagecoach Mary (1832-1914) - Born as a slave in Tennessee, Fields was one of the first women entrepreneurs, stagecoach drivers, pioneers of the American West.

Clark “Old Chieftain” Foss, aka: Old Foss (1819-??) - A boisterous and colorful driver, Foss ran a stage through Napa Valley, California during the 1860s and took many sightseers to the famed geysers in the Calistoga and Geyserville area.

Charles C. Haynes (1837-??) - One of the most prominent drivers on the Overland Stage Line, Haynes drove for 20 years.

Ben Holladay (1819-1887) - Holladay began a number of stagecoach route and became known as the "Stagecoach King."

James Wales Miller - A stagecoach driver for Wells-Fargo who saved a $30,000 payroll from robbery.

Henry James “Hank” Monk (1833-1883) -  One of the most famous stagecoach drivers in the American West, Henry James Monk was made famous in 1859 after giving a wild and furious ride to Horace Greeley.

George "Alfred" Monroe (1844-1886) - Born a slave, Monroe later became one of the most skilled "whips" in the American West. A mulatto, gained renown driving stages for United States presidents.

Charley Parkhurst, aka: One Eyed Charley, Mountain Charley, Six-Horse Charley (1812-1879) - Parkhurst was a female tobacco chewing, cussing, gambling California stage driver

Charles "Charlie" E. Parks (18??-1907) - Parks was one of the most faithful and capable Pony Express riders before becoming a long time defender of Wells Fargo stages.

Delia Haskett Rawson (1861-1949) - Becoming a driver at the age of 14, Delia was the first girl stage driver and maybe the youngest to ever to carry the U.S. mail in California.

William Trotter (1836-??) - Trotter was as stage driver for two decades before settling down and running a hotel.