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 covers about one-third of the Old Sacramento Historic District. This district is a very important historical area in the U.S., known as a National Historic Landmark District. People often call it "Old Sacramento" or "Old Sac." Since the 1960s, this area has been brought back to life. It is now a popular place for tourists to visit and learn about history.
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Discovering Old Sacramento's Past
The city of Sacramento began to grow in the mid-1800s. It started near Sutter's Fort. But the main way to travel to the California coast was by the Sacramento River. So, the city quickly grew along the riverfront.
Before Sacramento had strong flood walls, called levees, the area often flooded. Because of this, the city's streets were actually raised up a whole level! Most old sidewalks and shops were filled in. However, you can still find many tunnels under Old Sacramento and the downtown area.
By the 1960s, Old Sacramento was not in good shape. A big effort began to save the area. The goal was to turn it into a living history center. This would be like Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Many important historical buildings were moved or rebuilt. Buildings that were too damaged were taken down.
Today, the Old Sacramento Historic District is located between the river and Interstate 5. It stretches from I Street to the Capitol Mall. The State Historic Park covers about one-third of this area. This includes half of the waterfront, a large grassy space, and old railroad features.
Almost all the buildings here are from the 1800s. Many were built right after a big fire in 1852. They look very much like they did originally. However, they needed a lot of work to be restored. Most of these buildings no longer serve their first purpose. Today, they are home to restaurants, gift shops, and 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 New Year's Eve parties. There are also the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Mardi Gras celebrations. A popular event is Gold Rush Days.
Exploring Old Sacramento's Architecture
The buildings in Old Sacramento have a unique style. Many people think it's "Victorian gold miner" style. But the buildings actually show a lot of Spanish influence. You can see this in their multi-story design and large arched doorways. They also have tall balcony windows and fancy wrought-iron balconies.
This style was very common in Spain and its colonies. This is because California was under Spanish and then Mexican rule for a long time. People from Spain and its colonies, like the Canary Islands, moved here.
The architecture in Old Sacramento is similar to buildings in places like San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Havana (Cuba). It also looks like cities in Spain, such as Seville and Madrid.
Some people might think Old Sacramento's style looks like Paris. However, Sacramento's oldest buildings were built before the big changes to Paris. Those changes, called the Haussmann Projects, gave Paris its famous look.
Historic Buildings to See
Many important buildings stand in Old Sacramento. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- B. F. Hastings Building: This building 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 branch of the Wells Fargo History Museum.
- Big Four House: This building was created 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-residential building in Old Sacramento. It is a California Historical Landmark.
- Sacramento Engine Company No. 3: This is the oldest fire station still standing in Sacramento.
- Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum: A museum that looks like an old schoolhouse.
- Eagle Theatre: The original theater only lasted from 1849 to 1850. But it has been rebuilt to look like it did.
- Booth Buildings
- Booth's residence on Front Street: This was the first home of a U.S. governor in California.
- Morse Building
The B. F. Hastings Building and the Big Four House are also special. They are each recognized as individual National Historic Landmarks.
Memorials and Statues
Around the district, you will find many memorials. These honor the people who helped start the city. They also remember those who built the California and transcontinental railroads. Examples include the Theodore Judah monument and the Pony Express Statue.
Fun Attractions Today
Old Sacramento is home to several interesting museums:
- California State Railroad Museum
- California State Military Museum
- Sacramento History Museum
- Wells Fargo History Museum
- Old Sacramento Interpretive Center
Visitors can also enjoy other activities. You can ride in horse-drawn carriages. You can take historic train rides from the old Central Pacific Railroad station. Or, you can go on cruises on historic riverboats. A famous old sternwheel riverboat, the Delta King, is docked in the river. It now serves as a hotel, restaurant, and theater. Riverfront Park, north of J Street, lets you get close to the water.
The Sacramento Valley Rail Station is also just a short walk away.
Special Programs and Events
The Old Sacramento Historical Foundation runs programs to share the city's history. They have historical reenactments with costumed guides. You can also take tours of Old Sacramento's underground level. In October, there's even a special Halloween ghost tour!
Every Labor Day weekend, Old Sacramento hosts its yearly Gold Rush Days. For this event, the paved streets are covered with tons of dirt. Cars are not allowed in the area. The regular costumed guides are joined by extra volunteers and actors. They all work together to show what life was like in Sacramento in the mid to late 1800s.
