Old Sacramento Historic Park Review

Located on the Sacramento River, this Historical State Park is worthy of a day trip. With over 50 shops, including restaurants set in the 1850s, you can walk the old streets and almost hear horse-drawn carriages. Old Town Sacramento has been so well-preserved that it receives visitors from all over the world. All coming to enjoy the sights and sounds of this Old Town.

A Brief History on Historic Sacramento

Prior to the arrival of immigrants, the area that is now Sacramento was inhabited by the Nisenan and Maidu tribes. Then came trappers and fur traders with the likes of Kit Carson and Jedediah Smith.

In 1839, a man by the name of John Sutter sailed to California. An immigrant from Germany with a desire to really make something of himself, by himself, after leaving his family, debt and life in Switzerland. Knowing how to wheel and deal, he acquired nearly 50,000 acres of land from the then Mexican Governor Alvarado as did many of California's early pioneers. This land ran from Sacramento all the way up past Marysville.

In the early days of the building of Sacramento, places of business consisted of canvas covered structures. Then eventually wood and brick buildings were built. There were 3 major floods during the mid 1800's that all but wiped out every building in its vicinity. It was voted upon to raise the level of the town.

And so it was done, wagon load by wagon load. The city was raised up 10 feet+ to the level you see it at and walk on today. The photo below is a painting from 1847. Notice how the city was at the same level as the river. Wagon load by wagon load, can you imagine?!

Hidden Gems of Old Town Sacramento

In such a well-preserved gold rush town, there are bound to be hidden gems that many folks don't see. They come to see the buildings, the Sacramento River, Sacramento Train Museum and to taste the food from places like Rio City Cafe or Joes Crab Shack. Some gems are in places many tourists don't look. 

Here are a few of them to keep an eye out for or to seek out (I will post a link to websites in the resources at the bottom of the post):

• Take an underground tour. Head over to the Sacramento History Museum. Not only can you learn a lot about the beginnings of California's State Capital City, but you can also get tickets to tour the underground of Sacramento. In its early years, the Sacramento River would rise and flood the town. So to eliminate the risk of losing everything time and time again, the town was built up. They also offer Paranormal Tours if that's something that might tickle your fancy.
• If you are in front of the Train Museum, look straight across. You will see a little food joint by the name of Dannys. Its excellent, hot and fresh, but that's not what I'm pointing to. Just to the right of Dannys you will see a set of stairs leading to some dining or shops below. Well that down there, is how far below the current street level, the original street level used to be! This town has really been built up!
  
• Pioneer Park. When you find this little park, be sure to stop for a moment and take in what used to be. Once the city market and butcher shop. In its beginning, it was made of wood and brick. Then it turned from 1 story to 4. You can see the columns that many businesses would have used to add elegance, it is reminiscent of ancient Rome. 

Old Sacramento Historic State Park Map:

Famous Historical Events in Sacramento

From its beginning to even now, California has been a place where things happen. Here are some folks and events that have either come from here or made their name into the history books in our Golden State.

• Leland Stanford 1846: Originally from New York, Leland made his way and his fortune in California. One of the "Big Four", he was a railroad tycoon. Being a major player in the Transcontinental Rail road. Which, in fact, started its line in Old Town Sacramento. He also became the 8th Governor of California.
  
• John Sutter: Though John Sutter may have been the first Caucasian to settle into Sacramento, he is ultimately known for "Sutters Fort" built beginning in 1841. This fort would eventually be a waypoint for pioneers after they made their way over the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
  
• Transcontinental Railroad: The Southern Pacific line and the beginning of the first train line to cross the western half of the United States had its beginning in Old Town Sacramento.
  
• The Pony Express, 1861: In the early days of mail service, men would ride horseback across the America. Service from the state capitol of California began in Sacramento and ran to Missouri. The first journey was done in 10 days! That is an amazing feat!.
  
• The First Transcontinental Telegraph was transmitted to the Pioneer Telegraph Building at 1015 2nd Street. At this moment in time, the Pony Express became a thing of the past.
  
• Fire of 1852: This fire consumed nearly 80% of the town, which at that time was mostly wood timbers and linseed oil covered canvas. One of the now historic survivor is The Lady Adams Building. It not only survived the fire, but also the flood of 1861. You can see it at 119 K St. Sacramento
  

What's there to do at Old Sacramento SHP?

Easily, you could spend half a day wandering Old Town Sac. We always start our visit with a stroll down the old wooden boardwalks. Checking out what's new in the way of businesses or restaurants. Some businesses have been there for decades and many come and go. So you never know what may be there. Here is a list of some of the old faithfuls, the businesses that have made it through the ups and downs.

• Evangeline's Costume Mansion; if you visit Old Town Sacramento, then you must visit Evangeline's. From quirky tees, handbags, buttons, keychains to some very cool and very eclectic clothing. If you want a novelty item or something just different, then this if your kind of store. Located at 113 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
  
• Sacramento History Museum; this place is a must not miss. It's a true gem of old time Sacramento. They have really been able to preserve many items and display them for everyone to see.
  
• California State Railroad Museum; we adore this place and became members on our first visit. If you live close to Sacramento and enjoy history and or trains, then this is the place for you. Very cool trains to see, and the volunteers are always very friendly.
  
• Ride the train on the Sacramento River; if you are visiting on Friday through Sunday, then you can catch a ride on the rails. Get your tickets in advance to guarantee that you get a set. They also offer a few themed train rides during the holiday seasons. (NOTE: The bathrooms right by the train station are really unfit for families. So be sure to use the one near the ticket booth before you go to the line for the train.)
  
• Eat! There are some great options to chose from, if you are looking for a meal or a snack.
  

What's Nearby?

If you want to continue with your historical tour of Sacramento, then you have many places to pick from.

• California State Capitol
  
• Governors Mansion
  
• Leland Stanford Mansion
• Sutters Fort State Historic Park
  
• Historic Old City Cemetery
  
• Walk to Downtown under I5. From this walkway you can walk over to the California State Capitol and to many other eating options.
  

Helpful Resources:

From our numerous visits, I have been able to get much of my information. But I did obtain a bit of the historical info from the Sacramento History Museum. 

NOTE: You will need to pay to park in Old Town, you can do it via an app ParkMobile. This was feels a bit more secure than putting your card into the meter.

• California State Parks
• Historical Newspapers