Site information:

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, Greenback Lane, Folsom

Site and plaque access limited to park operating hours.

38.680284,-121.176596

Plaque information:

State and private plaque

State plaque text:

Original Folsom Hydroelectric Plant

In the 1850's, Horatio Gates Livermore and later his sons, Horatio P. and Charles E. pioneered the development of ditches and dams on the American River for industry and agriculture. One historic result was Folsom Power House, which began operations in July 1895. Power was delivered to Sacramento at 11,000 volts, which was a new achievement in long distance high voltage transmission. The capital celebrated by a grand electric carnival September 9, 1895.

The original generating plant, still in place, remained in continuous operation until 1952.

The plant was donated by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to the State of California to preserve its historical values.

Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento Section, American Institute of Electric Engineers
August 22, 1958.

Private plaque text:

Folsom Powerhouse

Completed by Horatio P. Livermore in 1895.

Presented by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to the California State Park Commission in 1958. Dedicated by the California Historical Society September 9, 1958.

Registered 3/3/1958