Schmap Sacramento Historical Background

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Sacramento - Historical Background
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Sacramento Home
Schmap Sacramento guide and map

In 1808, Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga found the Maidu Indians living peacefully in the Northern California valley formed by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and the Pacific Coast Mountains to the west. Warm summers, mild winters, a dependable yearly rainy season and water from the confluence of two great rivers resulted in a landscape so verdant and abundant that Gabriel Moraga named the valley after the Holy Sacrament—Sacramento.

Before The Gold Rush

Word of Moraga's lush western valley spread slowly. By the 1830s and 1840s, only a handful of Anglo-American settlers were living in coexistence with the native Maidu and other Native American tribes. While their numbers were few, these first settlers had learned the secret of the Sacramento Valley: if you plant it, it will grow. Sacramento has continued to flourish since then, both agriculturally and economically.

Mr. Sutter Comes to California

In 1834, Johann Augustus Sutter, a 19-year-old clock merchant's clerk, sailed from Switzerland, hoping to find success in America. Sutter's dream of founding a great new city for his fellow European immigrants led him to California. Sutter was sent by the Governor of Mexico to California to establish an outpost on any 26-square-mile area he chose. Sutter and his party established Sutter's Fort on August 12, 1839, near the American and Sacramento Rivers. Sutter then made a decision that would forever change the history of California and the westward expansion of America.

Realizing that more large trees would be needed to build homes for future settlers, Sutter wandered about 40 miles up the American River east of Sacramento and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Here, he found plenty of tall evergreen trees and fast-flowing water. It was a perfect spot for a sawmill, which, when completed in 1847, became Sutter's Mill.

Gold

On January 24, 1848, James Marshall was conducting a routine inspection of the millrace from Sutter's sawmill when a glitter caught his eye. This time, all that glittered was gold. By May of 1848, the news of gold in Northern California had reached San Francisco and by early 1849, the whole nation had gold fever. The 49ers were coming. People wanting to find gold arrived in San Francisco and made their way to the gold fields by way of Sacramento. The history of the Gold Rush is preserved today not only in Sacramento, but also at the nearby Marshall Gold Discovery Park in Coloma where it all started.

Sacramento Becomes a City

Shortly after gold was found, Sacramento became a city. The presence of gold and thousands of gold miners also brought the railroad to Sacramento. The railroad not only transported people, it also moved the gold ore from the mountain mines to bays and ports on the Pacific coast. The railroad and its historical contribution is commemorated today at the California State Railroad Museum, one of the most popular attractions in Old Sacramento.

In its early years, Sacramento benefited from its role in transportation. It was chosen as the western terminus for both the Pony Express and Wells Fargo, and as the headquarters of the transcontinental railroad. As late as the 1930s, riverboats like the Delta King glided along the Sacramento River carrying passengers along the only water pathway to San Francisco. Today, the beautifully restored Delta King, anchored in Old Sacramento, serves as a floating luxury hotel and restaurant.

Sacramento Rises Above the Flood

In spite of being almost completely wiped out by devastating floods in 1850 and 1852, Sacramento was selected as the location for the capitol of California in 1854. Today, visitors can learn more about the state's history at the California State Capitol Museum. After yet another massive flood in 1862, an ambitious project to actually raise the city above flood level was undertaken. Evidence of the tens of thousands of cubic yards of earth and miles of masonry work used to raise the streets can still be seen today in Old Sacramento.

Old Sacramento Goes from Slum to Jewel

Through the ensuing years, the Sacramento Valley flourished both agriculturally and economically. A gradual shift of commercial and residential growth to the east left Old Sacramento a virtual slum. Recognizing the area's historical importance and related potential as a tourist attraction, a plan to re-develop Old Sacramento started in the mid-1960s. Today, its 53 historic buildings are designated as both National Landmarks and as a State Historic Park. Its shops, fine restaurants, historic landmarks and museums attract more than five million people a year. In addition, the cobblestone streets and boardwalks of Old Sacramento host a variety of events, including the largest jazz festival on the West Coast.

The Modern City

The "new" Sacramento Valley, while maintaining its ties to the Gold Rush, also serves as the political hub of the world's eighth largest economy and as home to the second generation of "Silicon Valley" and its related high-tech industrial growth. From quaint shops on Downtown arterials, to upscale shopping malls and renowned cultural attractions like the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento has all the elements of a diverse and vibrant urban environment. Sacramento is also the home of the successful NBA Kings, WNBA Monarchs and River Cats a AAA Baseball team.

Want to talk about location? Lake Tahoe, Reno, the wine country of the Napa Valley, San Francisco and the Pacific Coast are all within a two-hour drive of Sacramento. A great location along with a respect for history and a handle on the future makes Sacramento a highly desired location for spending a day, or a lifetime.

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California State Capitol Museum

Modern technology recreates the past

Capitol Building
(10th and L streets)
Sacramento, CA 95814
United States
+1 916 324 0333
http://www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov/

Operating continuously since the day the doors first opened in 1869, this building is where the State of California's legislature meets. By the late 1970s, the building was declared seismically unsafe and had become an eyesore.

The Legislature decided to stay in its traditional home and authorized a massive restoration. Today, from the intricate tile work on the front lobby floor to the lovingly etched filigreed detail in alcoves under the rotunda, the craftsmanship of a bygone era is evident. Docent guided tours are free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

California State Capitol Museum photo by Seth Gaines

Photo: Seth Gaines

California State Capitol Museum photo by Shea

Photo: Shea

California State Capitol Museum photo by Ivan Kozik

Photo: Ivan Kozik

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Photo: Kiem

California State Capitol Museum photo by Daniel L. Baldwin

Photo: Daniel L. Baldwin

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Photo: jglazer75

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Photo: Igor Gav

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Photo: Don Van Dyke

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Photo: Cari Rottenberg

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Photo: Bev Sykes

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Photo: Christiana Tjhin

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Photo: faiz tajuddin

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Photo: Gregg Valley

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Photo: Roger Kelian

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Photo: Rory Santos

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Photo: Jeremiah Carter

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Photo: Jeff De Maria

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Photo: Kevin Krejci

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Photo: Amber Conrad

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Photo: Marc Matteo

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Photo: Joe Kunder

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Photo: Christopher Brida

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Photo: Ryan Henyard

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Photo: Chris Iufer

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Photo: rob91368

California State Capitol Museum photo by Carol Cotton

Photo: Carol Cotton

California State Railroad Museum

Largest train museum in the country in Old Town 111 I St
Sacramento, CA 95814
United States
+1 916 445 6645
http://www.csrmf.org/ This is the largest train museum in the country. Dedicated to accuracy and detail, the California State Railroad Museum, located in historic Old Sacramento, recreates the golden days of American railroading circa 1849. Adults and kids alike can wander for hours among restored locomotives, cars, bridges and railroad equipment. Indoor and outdoor displays bring to life rail travel during the Gold Rush Era. Admission for adults are $8; youth ages 6-17 are $3; and children ages 5 and under are free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Crocker Art Museum

The oldest art museum is located downtown 216 O St
Sacramento, CA 95814
United States
+1 916 264 5423
http://www.crockerartmuseum.org Founded in the 1870s, this is known as the first art museum in the West. The historical building with hand-carved doors, ornate walls and parquet floors, creates a gorgeous backdrop as impressive as the art. The art includes the Gold Rush, Victorian and European masters and contemporary works. The museum hosts art talks, classical concerts, jazz concerts, and tours (afternoons and weekends). A gift shop is also available. Admission is USD6 for adults; USD4 for senior citizens; USD3 students; children under six are admitted free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Delta King Hotel

Proud and elegant 1000 Front St
(On The Sacramento River)
Sacramento, CA 95814
United States
+1 916 444 5464 / +1 800 825 5464
http://www.deltaking.com Mark Twain would probably feel right at home in the pilot house of this riverboat converted to an elegant hotel. The interior shines with brass and the original oak trim glows throughout the beautifully restored 44-suite hotel. If Mark Twain visited the hotel's restaurant, the Pilothouse, he would experience fine dining. Other on-board attractions include two theaters (one of them being the Suspects Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre), a lounge that showcases live entertainment, and views of Sacramento's skyline from the Promenade Deck.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Downtown/Midtown

Sacramento
United States
The focal point of downtown is the Downtown Plaza, reached from Old Sacramento through a pedestrian tunnel. This open-air mall (cooled with suspended ¡°misters¡± during the summer) features a megaplex movie theater, department stores, a bookstore, specialty clothing stores and much more. Plaza shoppers are entertained by strolling musicians, jugglers, acrobats and mimes. The trees grab the attention of the first-time visitor to the Midtown district. Throughout the city, there are more than 250,000 varieties of fruit, flowering and palm trees. Many of the trees are huge elms and oaks planted by homesick settlers. In the summers, when temperatures average in the high 90s, the cool shade of the trees is welcome. Along the shaded streets are several cutting-edge theaters, a diversity of art galleries, fine and down-home dining establishments, as well as nightspots catering to every taste.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Old Sacramento

Sacramento
United States
Since its humble beginnings as a tent city, Sacramento's fate has been intertwined with its namesake, the Sacramento River. Today, Old Sacramento is a 12-block restored neighborhood between the river and Interstate 5 and is a state historic district with interesting old stone and brick buildings. There is a world-class comedy club, a live theatre, elegant restaurants with sweeping views of the river, candy stores, costume shops, pubs and bookstores to be found along the canopied plank sidewalks.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Sacramento Monarchs WNBA Basketball

Monarchs WNBA basketball near downtown One Sports Parkway
(Arco Arena)
Sacramento, CA 95834
United States
+1 916 928 0000
http://www.wnba.com/monarchs The WNBA Sacramento Monarchs boast one of the best backcourt combinations in the league, bolstered by point-guard Ticha Penicheiro and center-forward Yolanda Griffith. The Monarchs play the summer WNBA season, May-August, at the beautiful Arco Arena. The Monarchs, as well as the Sacramento Kings, are owned by the Maloof family. Ticket prices range from USD10-USD 34.50. Arco Arena is located five minutes north of downtown Sacramento. The season runs from May-August, game times vary so call for the schedule.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Sacramento - Historical Background"
Sacramento
Sacramento - Neighborhood Guide
Sacramento - Where to Stay
Sacramento - Dining & Drinking
Sacramento - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Napa Valley (85 miles)
Berkeley (108 miles)
San Francisco (116 miles)
Lake Tahoe (138 miles)
San Jose and Silicon Valley (145 miles)
Reno (177 miles)
Yosemite (185 miles)
Monterey and Carmel (227 miles)
Los Angeles (594 miles)
Las Vegas (641 miles)

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