eMails Bring an End to Telegrams

eMails have brought an end to telegrams. After 145 years of service, Western Union has stopped sending telegrams.

eMails have brought an end to telegrams. After 145 years of service, Western Union has stopped sending telegrams.

“Effective January 27, 2006, Western Union will discontinue all Telegram and Commercial Messaging services. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, and we thank you for your loyal patronage. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a customer service representative.” [source]

Western Union started in 1851 as the Mississippi Valley Printing Telegraph Company. In 1856 it became the Western Union Telegraph Company.

The decline of telegram use goes back at least to the 1980s. Long distance telephone calls and fax had made communication faster and easier. Now with emails the need for telegrams has almost ended.