Old Sacramento State Historic Park facts for kids
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Old Sacramento Historic District
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The Big Four Building, Old Sacramento
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 Location in Sacramento, California
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sacramento, California |
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| Built | 1849 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000219 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | January 12, 1965 |
Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a special place in Sacramento, California. It's part of a bigger area called the Old Sacramento Historic District. This district is a National Historic Landmark District, which means it's a very important historical site in the U.S. People often call it Old Sacramento or Old Sac. Since the 1960s, this area has been brought back to life. Today, it's a popular spot for tourists to visit and learn about history.
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A Look Back: Old Sacramento's History
The city of Sacramento started growing in the mid-1800s. It began near Sutter's Fort. But the fort was a bit far from the Sacramento River. The river was the main way to travel to the California coast. So, the city quickly grew along the waterfront.
Before Sacramento had its big levee system, the area often flooded. A levee is like a wall built to stop water. Because of the floods, the city's streets were actually raised up a whole level! Most of the old sidewalks and shop fronts were filled in. But many secret tunnels still exist under Old Sacramento and the downtown area.
By the 1960s, Old Sacramento was looking a bit run down. People decided to make a big effort to save it. They wanted it to be like an outdoor museum, showing how life used to be. Some important old buildings were moved or rebuilt. Buildings that were too damaged were taken down.
Today, the Old Sacramento Historic District stretches from the river to Interstate 5. It's between I Street and the Capitol Mall. The State Historic Park covers about one-third of this area. This includes half of the riverfront and many old railroad features. Almost all the buildings here are from the 1800s. Many were built right after a huge fire in 1852. They look much like they did originally, thanks to careful rebuilding. Now, most buildings hold restaurants, gift shops, or other stores for visitors.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park welcomes over 5 million visitors every year. Fun events happen regularly. These include the Sacramento Music Festival and Gold Rush Days. There are also New Year's Eve parties and the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Building Styles: Old Sacramento's Architecture
The buildings in Old Sacramento have a special look. You'll see multi-story buildings and large arched doorways. Many have tall balcony windows and fancy wrought-iron balconies. This style might remind you of places in Spain or its old colonies.
This is because California was once ruled by Spain and then Mexico. People from all over the Atlantic, including Spain, came to live here. So, the architecture in Old Sacramento shares features with cities like San Juan in Puerto Rico and Havana in Cuba. It also looks similar to cities in Spain, like Seville and Madrid.
Some people think the wrought-iron balconies look like Paris. But Sacramento's oldest buildings were built before Paris was redesigned in that style.
Famous Old Buildings to Explore
Many buildings in Old Sacramento have interesting stories:
- B. F. Hastings Building: This was the western end of the famous Pony Express mail route. It was also the first home of the California Supreme Court. Today, it has a Wells Fargo History Museum branch.
- Big Four House: This building was built by four important railroad pioneers. They were Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, and Charles Crocker. They were known as The Big Four.
- Lady Adams Building: This is the oldest non-home building in Old Sacramento. It's a California Historical Landmark.
- Pioneer Telegraph Station: This was an early telegraph office.
- D.O. Mills Bank Building: Another important California Historical Landmark.
- Adams and Company Building: Also a California Historical Landmark.
- Sacramento Engine Company No. 3: This is the oldest fire station still standing in Sacramento.
- The Firehouse Restaurant: This red brick firehouse from 1853 became a restaurant in 1960.
- Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum: A museum about old schools.
- Eagle Theatre: The original theater only lasted from 1849 to 1850, but it has been rebuilt.
- Sam Brannan House: Built in 1853, it was also known as the Jones Hotel and Vernon House.
- Booth Company Building: This was also the mansion of California Governor Booth.
- What Cheer House: An old hotel.
Honoring Important People: Memorials
Around Old Sacramento, you'll find statues and plaques. These remember the people who helped start the city. They also honor those who built the California and transcontinental railroads. Look for the Theodore Judah monument and the Pony Express Statue.
Fun Things to Do Today
Old Sacramento is home to several cool museums:
- The California State Railroad Museum
- The California State Military Museum
- The Sacramento History Museum
- The Wells Fargo History Museum
- The Old Sacramento Interpretive Center
You can also enjoy rides in horse-drawn carriages. Take a trip on historic trains from the old Central Pacific Railroad station. Or, go for a cruise on historic riverboats. A famous old sternwheel riverboat, the Delta King, is docked in the river. It's now a hotel, restaurant, and theater! Riverfront Park lets you get close to the water.
The Sacramento Valley Rail Station is just a short walk from Old Sacramento.
Learning About the Past: Special Programs
The Old Sacramento Historical Foundation runs programs to teach people about the city's history. You might see actors dressed in old costumes bringing history to life. You can also take tours of Old Sacramento's underground tunnels. In October, there's even a special ghost tour for Halloween!
Every year on Labor Day weekend, Old Sacramento hosts its famous Gold Rush Days. For this event, the paved streets are covered with tons of dirt. Cars are not allowed in the area. Many volunteers and actors dress up to show what life was like in Sacramento in the mid-1800s. It's like stepping back in time!
See also
