During 1861, construction crews raced to string a single strand of wire, which when completed would link the eastern states with far-off California.  Completed on October 18, the first telegraphic message was sent from Salt Lake City.  It read: “Utah has not seceded, but is firm for the Constitution and laws of our once happy country.”  Oscar Collister, telegrapher at Deer Creek Station (1861-1864) relayed the message to the Pacific Telegraph Company’s office in Cleveland, Ohio.  (Electrical current for transmitting messages was so weak that signals could only travel short distances, requiring many relay stations across the continent.)  Shortly, a message came back, signed by President “A. Lincoln:” The completion of the telegraph to Salt Lake City is auspicious .. And the government reciprocates your congratulations.”

The telegraph was in business.  And just as quickly, the fate of the Pony Express was sealed