In the early 60s Western Union has put into operation transcontinental microwave system of data transmission via radio waves, completely replacing the web of telegraph poles and wires. In 1849, Selden and Sibley, the founders of the future Western Union, created the New York State Printing Telegraph Company. In October 1871 the company has implemented the world's first telegraph money order. After a century money transfers have become a major source of income for Western Union. Number of active holders of "Golden Card" of Western Union amounted to 9.5 million people worldwide. In 1860 the U.S. Congress arranged among the telegraph companies a competition to create a national line. The winner was Western Union. On the market was placed about 765 million of ordinary shares of the company. On the first day trading on the exchange the company's shares rose by 3.3% and the cost was $ 19.96. In 1879 Western Union left the telephone business after losing a lawsuit against Alexander Graham Bell - the patent holder on the phone.
In October 1871 the company has implemented the world's first telegraph money order. After a century money transfers have become a major source of income for Western Union. Number of active holders of "Golden Card" of Western Union amounted to 9.5 million people worldwide. In 1849, Selden and Sibley, the founders of the future Western Union, created the New York State Printing Telegraph Company.