Old Town Sacramento
Old Town Sacramento
http://www.oldsacramento.com/
In 1839 John Sutter arrived on the shore of the American River near its confluence with the Sacramento River. With the promise of a Mexican land grant, Sutter and his landing party established Sutter's Fort. As the settlement grew and became permanent, it attracted other businessmen looking for opportunities. Sutter and the people he attracted created a commercial center in the area, but it was the Gold Rush in 1848 that created the City of Sacramento.
When gold was discovered in the nearby foothills by James Marshall, local merchant Sam Brannan rushed to open a store near the Sacramento River to take advantage of the convenient waterfront location. What was then called Sutter's Embarcadero was soon known as the City of Sacramento. The city rapidly grew into a trading center for miners outfitting themselves for the gold fields.
Early Sacramento's waterfront location was prime for commercial success, but was prone to severe flooding. The city also fell victim to repeated fires engulfing its hastily constructed buildings composed mainly of wood and canvas. In 1850 the new city experienced its first devastating flood and in 1852 the city was again wiped out by high water. It was apparent that drastic measures would have to be taken if it was to be saved.
In 1853 a mammoth project was proposed to raise the city above the flood level. The ambitious and expensive proposal was not fully accepted until another devastating flood swept through the city in 1862. Within a few years, thousands of cubic yards of earth were brought in on wagons and the daring scheme to raise the street level began. The original street level can be seen throughout Old Sacramento under the boardwalks and in basements.
The center of the commercial district gradually moved east and the original part of the city on Sutter's Embarcadero became known as the worst skid row west of Chicago. Reformers, ministers, politicians and others spoke out against conditions in this part of the city, but little was done to change the basic conditions.
In the mid-1960's, a plan was set forth to redevelop the area and through it, the first historic district in the West was created. Today, with 53 historic buildings, Old Sacramento has more buildings of historic value condensed into its 28 acres than most areas of similar size in the west. Registered as a National and California Historic Landmark, the properties in the district are primarily owned by private owners, with individual businesses leasing shops and offices. The area has flourished and is once again a thriving commercial trade center.
-
Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival
The inaugural Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival will be held September 20 - 21 2008 in Old Sacramento and at the Memorial Auditorium. More Info...
09.20.08
Historical Walking Tours
Walking tours are available for schools and private groups year round. More Info...
Steam Train Excursions
Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of the Sacramento River. More Info...
Oktoberfest Event
The Sacramento History Center's new exhibit, Capital Brew: Hops, Barrels and Bootleggers is now open to the public. The museum will host a fundraising "Oktoberfest" event on September 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. More Info...
Great Sacramento Duck Race
This fun and unique community event is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th in front of the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. More Info...
Historical Walking Tours
Walking tours are available for schools and private groups year round. More Info...
Steam Train Excursions
Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of the Sacramento River. More Info...
Fall Harvest Days
Through the month of October, Old Sacramento will welcome the end of summer with the annual Fall Harvest Days celebration. More Info...
Historical Walking Tours
Walking tours are available for schools and private groups year round. More Info...
Spookomotive Train Excursions
Halloween-themed "Spookomotive" trains decorated for the season depart on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. More Info...
Ghost Tours
Join the Old Sacramento Living History Program on a spooky walk of the Historic District October 17 &18, 24 & 25. More Info...
Spookomotive Train Excursions
Halloween-themed "Spookomotive" trains decorated for the season depart on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. More Info...
Trick-or-Treat with Merchants
Join Old Sacramento businesses for the annual Trick-or-Treat with Merchants night! More Info...
Entertainment
Landmarks
- Atlantis Park/1849 Scene
West of I & J street alley
- B.F Hastings Building
SW Corner 2nd & J streets
- Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot
Front Street between J & K streets
- Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station
Front Street, just north of J Street
- Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store
113 I Street
(916) 323-7234
- Pony Express Statue/Pony Express Park
2nd & J streets
- Riverfront Promenade
South of the Tower Bridge, next to the Embassy Suites
- Theodore Judah Monument
2nd & L streets
- Waterfront Park
Front Street, between K & L streets
Museums
Museums Nearby
Theatres
Visitor Information
- Old Sacramento Visitor Center
1002 Second Street
(916) 442-7644
- Old Sacramento Living History Program
Mailing: 101 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Physical: 1101 Second Street, Lower Level
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-4980
Old Town Sacramento
http://www.oldsacramento.com/
In 1839 John Sutter arrived on the shore of the American River near its confluence with the Sacramento River. With the promise of a Mexican land grant, Sutter and his landing party established Sutter's Fort. As the settlement grew and became permanent, it attracted other businessmen looking for opportunities. Sutter and the people he attracted created a commercial center in the area, but it was the Gold Rush in 1848 that created the City of Sacramento.
When gold was discovered in the nearby foothills by James Marshall, local merchant Sam Brannan rushed to open a store near the Sacramento River to take advantage of the convenient waterfront location. What was then called Sutter's Embarcadero was soon known as the City of Sacramento. The city rapidly grew into a trading center for miners outfitting themselves for the gold fields.
Early Sacramento's waterfront location was prime for commercial success, but was prone to severe flooding. The city also fell victim to repeated fires engulfing its hastily constructed buildings composed mainly of wood and canvas. In 1850 the new city experienced its first devastating flood and in 1852 the city was again wiped out by high water. It was apparent that drastic measures would have to be taken if it was to be saved.
In 1853 a mammoth project was proposed to raise the city above the flood level. The ambitious and expensive proposal was not fully accepted until another devastating flood swept through the city in 1862. Within a few years, thousands of cubic yards of earth were brought in on wagons and the daring scheme to raise the street level began. The original street level can be seen throughout Old Sacramento under the boardwalks and in basements.
The center of the commercial district gradually moved east and the original part of the city on Sutter's Embarcadero became known as the worst skid row west of Chicago. Reformers, ministers, politicians and others spoke out against conditions in this part of the city, but little was done to change the basic conditions.
In the mid-1960's, a plan was set forth to redevelop the area and through it, the first historic district in the West was created. Today, with 53 historic buildings, Old Sacramento has more buildings of historic value condensed into its 28 acres than most areas of similar size in the west. Registered as a National and California Historic Landmark, the properties in the district are primarily owned by private owners, with individual businesses leasing shops and offices. The area has flourished and is once again a thriving commercial trade center.
-
Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival
The inaugural Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival will be held September 20 - 21 2008 in Old Sacramento and at the Memorial Auditorium. More Info...
09.20.08
Historical Walking Tours
Walking tours are available for schools and private groups year round. More Info...
Steam Train Excursions
Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of the Sacramento River. More Info...
Oktoberfest Event
The Sacramento History Center's new exhibit, Capital Brew: Hops, Barrels and Bootleggers is now open to the public. The museum will host a fundraising "Oktoberfest" event on September 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. More Info...
Great Sacramento Duck Race
This fun and unique community event is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th in front of the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. More Info...
Historical Walking Tours
Walking tours are available for schools and private groups year round. More Info...
Steam Train Excursions
Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of the Sacramento River. More Info...
Fall Harvest Days
Through the month of October, Old Sacramento will welcome the end of summer with the annual Fall Harvest Days celebration. More Info...
Historical Walking Tours
Walking tours are available for schools and private groups year round. More Info...
Spookomotive Train Excursions
Halloween-themed "Spookomotive" trains decorated for the season depart on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. More Info...
Ghost Tours
Join the Old Sacramento Living History Program on a spooky walk of the Historic District October 17 &18, 24 & 25. More Info...
Spookomotive Train Excursions
Halloween-themed "Spookomotive" trains decorated for the season depart on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. More Info...
Trick-or-Treat with Merchants
Join Old Sacramento businesses for the annual Trick-or-Treat with Merchants night! More Info...
Entertainment
|
