#0366 Pioneer Telegraph Station
Plaque information: No plaque
OHP description: Erroneously called the Pony Express Terminal, this was the location of the office occupied by the State Telegraph Company, 1863-1868, and the Western Union Telegraph Company, 1868-1915.
#0439 Site of Grist Mill Built by Jared Dixon Sheldon
Site information: Meiss Rd and Hwy 16, 100 ft W of Sloughhouse Inn Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.496450,-121.197369
Plaque information: State plaque
Plaque text: Sheldon Grist Mill Site of grist mill built by Jared Dixon (Joaquin) Sheldon 1846-47 on Omochumnes Rancho, granted to him by Mexican government in 1843. Sheldon born Vermont January 8, 1813, came to California 1832. Sheldon shot July 11, 1851, by miners in quarrel over dam he had built which flooded miners' claims. Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Liberty Parlor No. 213 Native Daughters of the Golden West and Elk Grove Parlor No. 41 Native Sons of the Golden West. Dedicated May 8, 1949. Plaque replaced by Liberty Parlor No. 213 Native Daughters of the Golden West, September 26, 1997.
Site information: E side of Prairie City Rd, 500 ft N of State Hwy 50 Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.644458,-121.157609
Plaque information: State plaque at site described above. Private plaque about Prairie City at Mormon Island Cemetery (see #569).
State plaque text: Prairie City Site of Prairie City, mining town and center of trade in California's gold rush days. In July 1853, at the height of its prosperity, Prairie City included 15 stores and 10 boarding houses and hotels, two stage lines operated daily. A quartz mill that cost $50,000 to build operated here in the 1850s. Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Ferm Parlor No. 123 Native Daughters of the Golden West and Granite Parlor No. 83, Native Sons of the Golden West. Dedicated November 5, 1950. Private plaque text: Prairie City Cemetery The birth of Prairie City, Sacramento County, was announced in the pages of The Sacramento Daily Union newspaper in June of 1853. Located 21 miles from the City of Sacramento, it was approximately 2 miles south of Negro Bar, now known as Folsom. By that month, 40 frame and canvas houses had been erected and a water ditch for mining purposes was being constructed by the Natoma Water and Mining Company. By July 4th, the town had 1500 inhabitants, including 15 families with women and children. Shortly thereafter, a mining district was formed to establish the “rules” for the miners, and later the area was designated as an election precinct. Placer deposits began to diminish in 1854 and many of the miners and their families began to move away. Still, others stayed as they had established their homes and families in that vicinity. The U.S. Post Office closed its doors in early March 1866. By the mid-1870s, little of the original town remained, though the school district continued until about the mid-1880s. As late as 1901, the abandoned townsite was still referred to as Prairie City, though few remained there. In Memoriam Here lie the remains of twelve souls discovered during the construction of the Prairie City Road and Highway 50 interchange in May of 1997. They were relocated to this spot by the California Department of Transportation with the cooperation of The County of El Dorado. Through their efforts, with the assistance of the Folsom Historical Society and El Dorado County Pioneer Cemetery Commission, these twelve deceased may now rest in peace forever. Erected by the California Department of Transportation. For further information on known and possible interments, please visit the Folsom History Museum.
Site information: On Michigan Bar Rd, just N of State Hwy 16 Actual site on Consumnes River, about 1.1 mi north of plaque on Michigan Bar Rd. Nothing historic remains at the site, as far as I know. 38.486197,-121.052951
Plaque information: Private plaque
Plaque text: Gold Mining and Michigan Bar Michigan Bar Gold was discovered on the Cosumnes River in 1849 by two men from Michigan in the vicinity of the historic Nisenan settlement of Palamul. In the 1850s the town of Michigan Bar was the largest in Cosumnes Township, with as many as 1500 people. By 1800 the town had declined but still retained its post office, Wells Fargo office, and important pottery works. Little remained by the 20th century and much of the town was destroyed by hydraulic mining and dredging. The Michigan Bar School was in use until the 1940s. This plaque placed by the California Department of Transportation (August 2001) The Michigan Bar Mining District The Michigan Bar Mining District covered a vast area roughly between the towns of Michigan Bar and Sloughhouse. The district's placer gold deposits were mined extensively between 1849 and 1900, primarily by hydraulic and ground sluicing techniques. Dredging was another successful technique and extended the district's mining life into the 1950s. Total gold production in this district has been estimated at over 1,500,000 ounces. Placer mining followed the typical sequence of starting with easily reached river deposits. Once those deposits were exhausted, miners turned to nearby gulches but had to haul their dirt to the rivers for processing. The construction of ditches made it possible to work deposits far from water sources and the first in the Michigan Bar area was completed in 1851. The Prairie Ditch, still visible near here, was completed in 1858, and signaled the beginning of hydraulic mining in the area. Miners and their families were a diverse group from the United States and Canada, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Native Americans continued to live in the vicinity for some years after the discovery of gold led to the loss of their homelands. Some no doubt worked for miners and ranchers in the Michigan Bar District. Several African American mining families also lived in Michigan Bar for many years. This 1860s photograph of hydraulic mining in the Michigan Bar Mining District is presented courtesy of the California Department of Mines and Geology. If you look up from the photograph you'll see a remnant hydraulic scarp not unlike the one depicted. The power of the pressurized water against the hillsides, combined with additional water arriving from miles away through ditch systems, made it much easier to break down the soils and process them for the gold they contained. But the technique also crated tons of debris, much of which made its way into the river system, depositing silt and flooding croplands. Only after a major lawsuit filed by Sacramento and San Joaquin valley farmers was California hydraulic mining curtailed in 1884.
OHP description: Now practically obliterated by hydraulic and dredging operations, the booming town of Michigan Bar once contained 1,500 population. Gold was discovered here in 1849 by citizens of Michigan, after whom the settlement was named. Pottery works, once largest in the state, were located here, and town contained a post office and Wells Fargo agency.
Site information: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 27th and L Sts, Sacramento Plaque located inside the fort. Fee required for access during operating hours. 38.572365,-121.470657
Plaque information: Surprisingly, there is no plaque which relates directly to the fort. There are numerous informational signs around. The plaque in the photo is more about Sutter himself, though it mentions the fort. I have heard that plaque has gone missing or been removed.
Sutter plaque text: General John A. Sutter February 15, 1808 – June 18, 1880 Swiss Immigrant. Founder of New Helvetia, the beginning of Sacramento. Builder of Sutter’s Fort. A man of vision and compassion who deserves the respect and gratitude of Americans and Swiss. Donated by the people of Switzerland, Swiss Americans and Friends, the United Swiss Lodge of California-Sacramento. October 10, 1987.
OHP description: John Augustus Sutter, born of Swiss parents in Germany, arrived in New York in July 1834 and in California in July 1839. He founded the fort in 1839 to protect 'New Helvetia,' his 76-square-mile Mexican land grant. Of the original fort, the two-story central building, made of adobe and oak, remains, the fort's outer walls and rooms, which had disappeared by the 1860s, were reconstructed after the State acquired the property in 1890.
#0526 California's First Passenger Railroad
Site information: SW corner of 3rd and R Sts, Sacramento Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.573912,-121.506818
Plaque text: California's First Passenger Railroad The Sacramento Valley Railroad running from Sacramento to Folsom, was begun at this site on February 12, 1855. Here, at Third and R Streets, was located the Sacramento passenger terminal. The turntable and freight depot were at Third and Front Streets. Completion of the railroad was celebrated at Folsom on February 22, 1856. Plaque erected by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with The Sacramento County Historical Society, February 12, 1955
#0558 Terminal of California's First Passenger Railroad
Site information: Leidesdorff Plaza, NE corner of intersection of Reading and Sutter, Folsom 38.675756,-121.180210
Plaque text: Folsom Terminal California's First Passenger Railroad Completion of the 22-mile Sacramento Valley Railroad line from Sacramento to Folsom was celebrated here February 22, 1856 by enthusiastic residents of both cities. The new line, commenced February 12, 1855, was built by noted pioneer engineer Theodore Dehone Judah. Plaque erected by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento County Historical Society, December 30, 1956.
Plaque text: Sacramento City Cemetery Resting place of California Pioneers. The cemetery was established in 1850. Many of the victims of the Cholera Epidemic of that year are buried here. Included among the graves of illustrious Californians are those of Governors John Bigler, Newton Booth, and William Irwin; General George Wright, hero of the Mexican War; Mark Hopkins, Co-builder of the Central Pacific Railroad; General Albert M. Winn, Founder of the Native Sons of the Golden West; Hardin Bigelow, First Mayor of Sacramento; William S. Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton; E.B. Crocker, founder of the Crocker Art Gallery; and Reverend O.C. Wheeler, organizer in 1850 of the First Baptist Church. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, May 15, 1957.
Plaque text: Sloughhouse Sloughhouse, prominent hotel and stage station on the road to the Amador mines, was a favorite stopping place for travelers such as Leland Stanford. Constructed in 1850 by Jared Dixon Sheldon, it was destroyed by fire in 1890 and rebuilt the same year. Many descendants of pioneers of the community of Sloughhouse, which developed near Sheldon's establishment, still live in this fertile valley of the Cosumnes. Plaque erected by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Liberty Parlor No. 213, Native Daughters of the Golden West, September 15, 1957.
Site information: NE corner of 28th and C Sts, in Stanford Park, Sacramento Plaque description would put the landing site on the other side of the park in the photo. The American River is now about half a mile from this spot. Nothing historic remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.581654,-121.465990
Plaque information: State Plaque
Plaque text: Captain John A. Sutter Landing Captain John A. Sutter, after coming up the Sacramento River from Yerba Buena in August 1839, landed approximately two hundred feet north of here, at what was then the south bank of the American River. A short time thereafter he moved to the site where he established a permanent camp, and later built his fort. Sutter and his men where the first settlers within the present city limits of Sacramento. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West and the Sacramento Historic Landmarks Commission, August 24, 1958.
Site information: NE corner of Alhambra Blvd and J St, Sacramento Nothing remains at this site. The bodies were moved to East Lawn Memorial Park in 1956. 38.573097,-121.464953
Plaque text: New Helvetia Cemetery Established by John Sutter in 1849. Purchased in 1857 by J.W. Reeves, who later deeded it to the City of Sacramento. 1009 Chinese buried here were shipped to China by the Chinese Societies who deeded their plots to the city. Dedicated by Sutter Parlor No. 111 Native Daughters of the Golden West. May 14, 1937 Plaque donated by Sadie Winn Brainard
Plaque information: A private plaque exists for the Sutterville Brewery, which was the last building of Sutterville. It isn't precisely for the town of Sutterville, but there is no other plaque. Nothing remains of this site, as far a I know.
Plaque text: Site of a two story brick building built for Robert H. Vance of San Francisco in 1853. One of five brick structures erected that year, it was first occupied as a store. Almost coincident with the founding of Camp Union in 1861, it was taken over by Martin Arenz for a brewery and operated until after 1880. It ended up as a rental hall and was razed in 1952, but for ninety years was called The Sutterville Brewery. It was Sutterville's last remaining building. Dedicated by the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, New Helvetia Chapter No. 5, August 6, 1983.
OHP description: Sutter laid out a townsite here in 1844, about two miles below the embarcadero. In 1847, George Zins built one of the first brick structures erected in California here.
Site information: SP Depot, NE corner of 4th and I Sts, Sacramento Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. ~38.583839,-121.500805
OHP description: The site of the slough, which formerly extended from 3rd to 5th Streets and north of I Street in Sacramento, is now occupied by the Southern Pacific depot.
OHP description: This is the site of the first building in California constructed as a theater in 1849. The theater was reconstructed in 1974.
#0596 Site of Home of Newton Booth
Plaque text: Booth Building This building was the home of the Booth Company, a wholesale grocery business and its founder Newton Booth, lawyer, writer, lecturer, and politician. Booth served as State Senator 1862-1863, and lived here while Governor of California 1871-1875 and United States Senator 1875-1881. His Inaugural Ball as governor was held in a ballroom on the second floor. The platform on the roof of the building was used to signal ships approaching Sacramento in order to purchase the cargo before the ships arrived at the dock, thus getting a jump on his competitors. Dedicated August 30, 2008 by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Duane R. Gavin, Grand President.
OHP description: The celebrated hotel was constructed on this site in 1853. State offices were located here in 1855.
#0598 Site of Stage and Railroad (First)
OHP description: This is the site of the terminal of stages of the 1850s and of the Sacramento Valley Railroad in 1855.
Plaque information: No plaque for the state landmark designation, though a national plaque exists.
OHP description: This building was erected in 1870 to house the private art collection of Judge and Mrs. E. B. Crocker. The building and its contents were donated to the City of Sacramento in 1884 by Mrs. Crocker.
#0600 Headquarters of the "Big Four"
Site information: Originally located at 220-226 K St. Nothing remains of the site. The plaque for Old Sacramento is located along 2nd St. 38.583658,-121.503768
Plaque information: No plaque specifically for this landmark
OHP description: This landmark number has been retired and this landmark site is now included as part of the registration of Old Sacramento, Landmark No. 812. Nothing else about the plaque is given by the OHP.
Site information: Parking lot, 200 ft NE of intersection of 2nd and K Sts, Sacramento Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. ~38.582015,-121.504170
OHP description: Constructed by William Land in 1875, this hotel was one of the largest in the West. It was built on sites of earlier hotels of 1853-1854.
Site information: 116 1/2 K St, Sacramento The hotel was under renovation when I visited. The other photo was from before renovation. It looks better now. 38.582112,-121.505219
OHP description: This hotel was built by Charles Ebner in 1856. It is said that Captain Sutter was a frequent visitor here.
Plaque text: The Lady Adams Building Built in 1852 by the Lady Adams Mercantile Co.; named after the brig which brought the partners around the horn. She has survived fires, flood, and being lifted one story. She has served merchants, bankers, and as a “rooming house”. And has been flat busted more than once. The only survivor of the fire of 1852. She was named California Historical Landmark No. 603 on May 22, 1957 before we got around to it. E Clampus Vitus, New Helvetia No. 5, Aug. 7, 1976
OHP description: This store and office building was erected in 1852 from materials brought around the Horn in the ship Lady Adams.
#0604 Site of Sam Brannan House
Plaque text: Vernon-Brannon House Sacramento's first post office was located on this lot in 1849. In 1853, Henry E. Robinson bought the lot from Samuel Brannan and built this three story brick building, naming it the Jones Hotel. The Sacramento Pioneer Association first organized in this building in 1854. In 1855, it became a boarding house called the Vernon House, owned by Miss O.J. Clark. In 1865, Samuel Brannan bought the building, turned it back into a hotel, and renamed it Brannan House. This building was lifted approximately nine feet in 1865. Memorial sponsored by the estate of Bobbie Jo Castleman, 1926 - 2013 in cooperation with California State Parks.
OHP description: This building, erected by Henry E. Robinson in 1853 on land owned by Sam Brannan, was used as the first meeting place of the Pioneer Association and other organizations of early days.
OHP description: Erected in 1851, this structure was occupied by the Sacramento Union in 1852. The newspaper began its career March 19, 1851 at 21 J Street, Sacramento.
Plaque information: State plaque located on wall at 2nd St, between J and I Sts, Sacramento There are numerous other plaques about the Pony Express as well. 38.583482,-121.503758
Plaque text: B.F. Hastings Bank Building (Western Terminus of the Pony Express) This structure, erected in 1852-53, was occupied during the 1850’s by the B.F. Hastings Bank, Wells Fargo and Co., various state officials, Sacramento Valley Railroad, and the Alta Telegraph Co. during April 1860 - May 1861. The Alta Telegraph Co. and its successor, The California State Telegraph Co. were the agents here for the Central Overland Pony Express, owned and operated by the firm of Russell, Majors and Waddell. From this historic site the first overland journey eastward of the Pony Express was begun on April 4, 1860. Plaque dedicated by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento Historic Landmarks Commission, The Sacramento County Historical Society, The California Historical Society and the Grand Parlors, Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West, Centennial Year 1960.
#0607 Adams and Company Building
OHP description: Erected in the fall of 1853, this building was occupied during 1853-1855 by Adams and Co.'s express and banking house. The Alta Telegraph Co., California State Telegraph Co., Pacific Express Co., California Stage Co., Sacramento City Bank, and Wells Fargo & Co. also had offices here in the 1850s. During May-October 1861, Wells Fargo & Co. were agents here of the western portion of the Central Overland Pony Express until it was discontinued on October 26, 1861 on completion of the transcontinental telegraph.
OHP description: This hotel, erected in 1852, served as a depot for stage companies and others.
Site information: 100 ft from SE corner of intersection of 2nd and J Sts, Old Sacramento OHP description above is very vague, and implies the building no longer exists. 38.582597, -121.504273
OHP description: Erected in 1852, this building housed one of the oldest and largest banks of early-day California.
Site information: Parking lot, 300 ft NE of intersection of 2nd and J Sts, Sacramento Nothing remains of this site. ~38.583741,-121.503389
OHP description: This building was constructed in 1852 and was occupied in the 1850s by various state offices and commercial companies.
#0611 Original Sacramento Bee Building
Site information: Under N-bound offramp of I-5, W side of 3rd St between J and K Sts, Sacramento Nothing remains of this site. ~38.582185,-121.503294
OHP description: The Sacramento Bee was founded in 1857, its first issue was dated February 3, 1857. Its early home was in this two-story brick building on the west side of Third Street.
#0612 Pioneer Mutual Volunteer Firehouse
Site information: 200 ft NE of intersection of 3rd and J Sts, Sacramento Nothing remains of the site. The photo shows an approximate location. ~38.582858,-121.500741
OHP description: Erected in 1854, this structure was occupied by Engine Co. No. 1, the oldest fire company of California.
#0613 Site of Congregational Church
OHP description: In 1849, the Rev. Joseph A. Benton organized the first church in Sacramento.
Site information: Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, 800 N St, Sacramento 38.576412,-121.497933
Plaque text: Leland Stanford House The house originally designed in 1857 by Seth Babson and was purchased by Leland Stanford in 1861. It served as the State Executive Office from 1861 to 1867, before the completion of the State Capital. It was later extensively remodeled and enlarged. In 1900 Jane Lathrop Stanford gave the house to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento to create the Stanford-Lathrop Memorial Home for Friendless Children. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation with the cooperation and support of the Stanford Alumni Club of Sacramento. August 1, 1986.
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.
#0633-2 Old Folsom Powerhouse - Sacramento Station A
Plaque text: Old Folsom Powerhouse Sacramento Station A The first distribution point of electricity for a major city, Station A was constructed in 1894. Built by the Sacramento Electric Power and Light Company to receive power generated from Folsom Powerhouse. The first transmission of electricity was on July 13, 1895. This power distribution network resulted in the first overhead wire streetcar system in the Central Valley. Plaque placed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation August 4, 1970.
#0654 Site of the First Jewish Synagogue Owned by a Congregation on the Pacific Coast
Site information: In sidewalk, 7th St between Capitol and L, Sacramento Nothing remains of the site, as far as I know. 38.578678,-121.498535
Plaque text: First Synagogue Owned by Congregation B'nai Israel This was the site of the first synagogue on the Pacific Coast, dedicated on September 3, 1852. The building, prefabricated in Baltimore and shipped around Cape Horn in 1849, originally housed the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose trustees sold the edifice on June 4, 1852, to Alexander Myer, Joseph Levison, and Charles Freidman, officers of the Association of the Children of Israel (B'nai Israel). The congregation followed the Orthodox tradition until 1880, when it became an adherent of Reform Judaism. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Congregation B'nai Israel and the Sacramento Historic Landmarks Commission, October 26, 1958.
#0654-1 Chevra Kaddisha (Home of Peace Cemetery)
Site information: 3230 J St, Sacramento Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. ~38.572126,-121.463500
OHP description: This site was the first Jewish cemetery in California. On November 12, 1850, R. J. Watson gave a Deed of Trust to Louis Schaul: 'Lot number four in the square between thirty-second and thirty-third and J and K Streets . . . for the Sacramento City Hebrew Association for a burial ground.'
#0657 Grave of Alexander Hamilton Willard
Plaque text: Alexander Hamilton Willard Born, Charlestown, N.H. Aug. 24, 1778; Died Franklin, Mar. 6, 1865 Last surviving member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He kept a journal and gave valuable service as a gunsmith. State Society Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America 1957
OHP description: Willard, a native of New Hampshire who died March 6, 1865, was perhaps the last survivor of the exploring party sent out by President Jefferson under Captain Meriwether Lewis to discover the course and sources of the Missouri River.
Site information: NE corner of Sutterville and Land Park Dr, Sacramento Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.537680,-121.503713
Plaque text: Camp Union, Sutterville The 5th Infantry Regiment, California Volunteers, was organized here on 8 October, 1861 and trained by Brevet Brigadier General George W. Bowie for duty in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas against the Confederate forces. Since this was the year of the great flood, the troops aided the flood-stricken capital. Company F, (Sacramento Rangers), 2nd Cavalry Regiment, California Volunteers, was organized in Sacramento August 29, 1861 and later served here. This company furnished a large number of officers for other units of the California Volunteers. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento Historic Landmarks Commission and Lieut. Lansdale Post No.67, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. February 15, 1959.
Site information: Stockton Blvd, near Hwy 99, Elk Grove The Consumnes River is about 1.25 mi. south of the plaque location. I'm not certain of the actual corral site. Nothing historic remains, as far as I know. 38.372758,-121.359003
Plaque text: Murphy's Corral This is the site of the beginning of the conquest of California by the United States on June 10, 1846. American settlers led by Ezekial Merritt overpowered soldiers under Lt. Francisco Arce and took their Mexican Army horses from the corral of the Murphy Ranch on the north bank of the Cosumnes River. The “Bear Flag” action in Sonoma followed on June 14, 1846. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the California History Foundation of the College of the Pacific and the Stockton Corral of Westerners, October 17, 1959.
#0697 Five Mile House - Overland Pony Express Route in California
Site information: On campus of California State University. Plaque located in plaza at end of Sinclar Rd, base of Guy West Bridge, Sacramento I'm not ceratin of the exact site location, but is certainly no longer exists. 38.561621, -121.422311
Plaque text: Five Mile Station Departing at 2:45 a.m. from the Alta Telegraph Co. in Sacramento, rider Sam (Bill) Hamilton carried the first mail of the Central Overland Pony Express eastward on April 4, 1860. Quickly changing ponies at the Five Mile House, he sped on to the next stop at Fifteen Mile Station. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento Historic Landmarks Commission, Sacramento County Historical Society, and the Central Overland Pony Express Trail Association, April 2, 1960.
#0698 Fifteen Mile House - Overland Pony Express Route in California
Site information: White Rock & Gold Valley Rds, Rancho Cordova Nothing remains of the site, as far as I know. 38.589821,-121.261981
Plaque text: Fifteen Mile House Owned and operated from 1857 as a stage station by Henry F. W. Deterding, this was the site of the second remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express during March-July 1860. Here on April 4, 1860, Sam (Bill) Hamilton, with the first eastward mail of the Pony Express, changed ponies with Mormon Tavern as the next stop. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento County Historical Society, Fern Parlor No. 123, Native Daughters of the Golden West and the Central Overland Pony Express Trail Association, April 2, 1960.
#0702 Folsom - Overland Pony Express Route in California
Plaque text: Folsom Pony Express Terminus Gold rush and railroad town, Folsom became the western terminus of the Central Overland Pony Express on July 1, 1860, during its first few months. After April 4, 1860, the express mail had been run by pony to and from Sacramento. Beginning July 1, 1860, the Sacramento Valley Railroad carried it between Sacramento and Folsom until Placerville was made the terminus during July 1 - October 26, 1861. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento County Historical Association: Fern Parlor No. 123, Native Daughters of the Golden West, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce and the Central Overland Pony Express Trail Association, April 2, 1960.
#0719 Grave of Elitha Cumi Donner Wilder
Site information: Elk Grove Masonic Cemetery, Row C, Lot 2, Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove 38.408480,-121.386898
Plaque text: Elitha Cumi Donner Wilder This survivor of the ill-fated Donner Party was the daughter of George and Mary Blue Donner. Born near Springfield, Illinois, in 1832. She arrived in California in December 1846 with her sister, Leanna Charity Donner, and was rescued by the first relief party to reach the tragic scene. Married to Benjamin W. Wilder in 1853. She died on July 4, 1923, survived by her sister and two children. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Liberty Parlor No. 213, Native Daughters of the Golden West, May 8, 1960.
#0745 Coloma Road - Sutter's Fort
Plaque text: The Coloma Road Sutter’s Fort, established by Capt. John A. Sutter in August 1839, marked the Western end of the Coloma Road. Opened in 1847, this road ran from the Fort to Sutter’s sawmill at Coloma. Used by James W. Marshall in January 1848 to bring the news of the gold discovery to Sutter. It was traversed later by thousands of miners going to and from the diggings in 1849. The Coloma Road became the route of California’s first stage line, established by James E. Birch. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento County Historical Society and the Grand Parlors, Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West. August 14, 1960.
Site information: Nimbus Flat Boat Launching Facility, Lake Natoma, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area 38.634296,-121.217075
Plaque information: State plaque is missing
OHP description: Alder Springs, south of this point, marks the old Coloma Road, running between Sutter's Fort and Cul-luh-mah (Coloma). Established in 1847, this road was used by James W. Marshall in January 1848 to bring the first gold from Sutter's Mill to the fort. Later, traveled by thousands to and from the diggings, it became the route of California's first stageline, established in 1849 by James E. Birch.
#0780 First Transcontinental Railroad
Plaque information: A state plaque is located inside the Railroad Museum, which requires a fee to enter. 38.584869,-121.504102 A marker has been placed at the site of the old rail depot on Front and K Sts, marking the beginning of the railroad. 38.582549, -121.506260
State plaque text: First Transcontinental Railroad Here, on January 8, 1863, Governor Leland Stanford turned the first spade of earth to begin construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. After more than six years of labor, crews of the Central Pacific Railroad from the west and the Union Pacific Railroad from the east met at Promontory, Utah where, on May 10, 1869, Stanford drove the gold spike signifying completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The Central Pacific Railroad, forerunner of the Southern Pacific Company, was planned by Theodore D. Judah and constructed largely through the efforts of the 'Big Four'-Sacramento businessmen Leland Stanford, Collis P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, and Mark Hopkins. Plaque placed at Sacramento by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Southern Pacific Company, the City and County of Sacramento, the Sacramento County Historical Society, the California Historical Society, the Society of California Pioneers, the Conference of California Historical Societies, and the Grand Parlors of the Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West, January 8, 1963. Private marker text: Mile Marker 0 In recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad Dedicated May 8, 2019
#0780-8 First Transcontinental Railroad - Western Base of the Sierra Nevada
Site information: Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, near clubhouse, 3645 Fulton Ave, Sacramento 38.634153,-121.402837
Plaque text: First Transcontinental Railroad Western Base of the Sierra Nevada On January 12, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln decreed that where the Central Pacific Railroad crossed Arden Creek the western base of the Sierra Nevada began. The hardships of railroad construction through mountains resulted in increased government subsidies. These funds gave the company impetus to finish the transcontinental railroad. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the New Helvetia Chapter No.5, E. Clampus Vitus, August 17, 1971.
Site information: Old Sacramento State Historic Park, plaque located on wall at 2nd St between J and I Sts, Sacramento Landmark commemorates the whole of the state historic park area, which includes a few city blocks. 38.583664,-121.503746
Plaque text: Old Sacramento Founded in December 1848 by John A. Sutter, Jr., Sacramento was an outgrowth of Sutter’s Fort established by his father, Captain John A. Sutter, in 1839. State Capital since 1854, it was a major distribution point during the Gold Rush. A commercial and agricultural center, and terminus for wagon train, stagecoach, riverboat, telegraph, Pony Express, and the first Transcontinental Railroad. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the City and County of Sacramento, April 20, 1966.
#0817 Site of First County Free Library Branch in California
Site information: 9125 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.409129,-121.361450
Plaque text: Site of the First County Free Library Branch in California In 1908 Elk Grove acquired through the efforts of Miss Harriet G. Eddy, then principal of Elk Grove Union High School, the first county free library branch in California. Subsequently, California's county free library branch system has become one of the most outstanding in America. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Elk Grove Parlor No.41, N.S.G.W. and Liberty Parlor No.213 N.D.G.W. September 9, 1967.
Plaque information: A state plaque exists, but had been removed from view when I visited.
OHP description: This mansard-styled Victorian house was built for Albert Gallatin in 1877. Acquired by the State, it served as the first official Governor's residence, Governor George C. Pardee and his family moved in during November 1903. It was home for 13 Governors over a span of 64 years.
#0869 Site of First and Second State Capitols at Sacramento
Plaque text: Sacramento’s first county courthouse, formerly located on this site, served as California’s State Capitol from January 16, 1852 to May 4, 1852 for the third session of the legislature and from March 1, 1854 to May 15, 1854 for the fifth session. Destroyed by fire on July 13, 1854, it was rebuilt in less than six months. The second courthouse served as the Capitol from 1855 – 1869 when a transition began to the current Statehouse. A third courthouse occupied this site and remained until replaced by the County Jail in 1989. Plaque placed by California State Parks in cooperation with the Sacramento Trust for Historic Preservation. Dedicated June 27, 2007
#0872 California's Capitol Complex
Site information: E of intersection of 10th St and Capitol Mall, Sacramento 38.576927,-121.494662
Plaque text: California's Historic Capitol The historic Capitol was designed by architects M.F. Butler and Reuben Clark. Its style is an adaption of Roman Corinthian architecture. Work began in 1860 and by late 1869 the Capitol was partly occupied. In 1874, construction ended at a cost of $245 million. The west wing which once housed all branches of government is now a legislative facility. Its design and construction are tributes to California’s pioneer architects, craftsmen and builders. Plaque originally placed by the State Dept of Parks and Recreation August 10, 1974, and rededicated in cooperation with the State Legilature, January 9, 1982, to commemorate the close of California's Bicentennial Restoration Project.
Site information: The OHP website now lists location as "restricted per Section 6254.10 of CA State Government Code." Previously, the published guidebook gave the location as "Discovery Park, near Archery Range," which is approximate. The photos show the archery range. There may be some archaeological remains of this site, but nothing that I know of. ~38.606402,-121.499699
OHP description: This was the location of the most significant Indian village and cemetery of this region. The Nisipowinan, part of the Maidu tribe, had a strong economic and cultural interaction with Capt. John A. Sutter's settlement in the 1840s.
#0934 Temporary Detention Camps for Japanese Americans - Sacramento Assembly Center
Site information: Walerga Park, NW corner of Palm Ave and College Oak Drive, Sacramento 38.668328,-121.351268
Plaque information: Private plaque. The one shown in my photo has been replaced by a stone version.
Plaque text: Lest We Forget Walerga Assembly Center was established by the United States at the onset of World War II to assemble and temporarily detain, without charge or trial, 4,739 Sacramento residents solely because of their Japanese ancestry. Approximately 120,000 persons were uprooted from their West Coast homes and interred in ten War Relocation Centers. Over two-thirds were American citizens by birth. Given the opportunity, many thousands left the ten centers to work on farms and in war industries or to serve with valor in the armed forces. Their acts and deeds gave living proof that Americanism is a matter of mind and heart, not a matter of race or ancestry. May this memorial remind all Americans to be alert so that such injustices never recur. Camp Kohler succeeded Walerga Assembly Center with the departure of the last Japanese American internees in late June 1942. After being taken over by the Army Signal Corp, the camp’s facilities were greatly expanded to house and train military personnel. Camp Kohler became one of the Corps’ three principle training centers during World War II.
#0967 California Almond Growers Exchange Processing Facility
Site information: 1809 C St, Sacramento Site is still in operation and privately owned. Plaque located inside locked gates. It can be seen from a distance outside the gates, but I have heard security is rather strict. 38.585087,-121.478880
Plaque text: California Almond Growers Exchange Almond Processing Facility The California Almond Growers Exchange founded in 1910, was first successful grower-owned co-operative for marketing California almonds. It pioneered in many fields, including almond production, mechanization and marketing. The first structure on this property was built in 1915 and was designed to mechanize almond processing. This shelling plant was one of the earliest structures of its type, and contained the world’s first mechanical cracker. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the California Almond Growers Exchange, November 15, 1985.
Plaque information: Private plaque, though it's rather vague about what is being commemorated.
Plaque text: This museum dedicated to loyalty cooperation progress and to the ideals of American Democracy by the Sacramento County Parlors of Native Daughters of the Golden West. Dec 15 1940
OHP description: The State Indian Museum was built fifty years ago as California's first state-run museum devoted to Indian cultures. It continues to serve the same purpose today, displaying an updated (1984) major exhibit on California's Indian peoples.
#1013 Site of the First African American Episcopal Church Established on the Pacific Coast
Site information: 715 Seventh St, Sacramento Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.584191,-121.496114
Plaque text: Site of First African Methodist Episcopal Church on the Pacific Coast This is the site of the first church building associated with an African American religious congregation on the Pacific Coast. The church was the Methodist Church of Colored People of Sacramento City, formally organized in 1850. In 1851 the congregation was admitted into the African Methodist Episcopal Church, becoming the first African Methodist Episcopal Church on the Pacific Coast. First known as Bethel, the name was later changed to St. Andrews. The original 1850 wooden church building was the site of the first statewide convention of the California Colored Citizens which met November 20-22, 1855. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with St. Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church and Sacramento County Historical Society, January 7, 1995.