Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Historic Significance

Established in 1965, this 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park preserves and showcases the rich history of California's capital city during the Gold Rush era.

The park encompasses approximately one-third of the property within the Old Sacramento Historic District. It features over 50 historic buildings, many of which date back to the 1850s, representing the largest concentration of historic structures in the western United States.

Notable Structures

Historic buildings have been restored or reconstructed to reflect their original 19th-century appearance, offering visitors a glimpse into Sacramento's past.

Notable structures include the 1849 Eagle Theater, the 1853 B.F. Hastings Building (which once housed the California Supreme Court), and the 1855 Big Four Building.

The park also incorporates the western terminus of the Pony Express postal system, the first transcontinental railroad, and the transcontinental telegraph, highlighting Sacramento's pivotal role in early communication and transportation networks.

Key Attractions

The California State Railroad Museum, a major attraction within the park, houses an extensive collection of restored locomotives and train cars, providing insight into the importance of rail transportation in California's development.

Additionally, the park offers underground tours, allowing visitors to explore the raised streets and hollow sidewalks that were created to combat flooding in the 19th century.

Visitor Experience

Throughout the year, Old Sacramento State Historic Park hosts various living history events and reenactments, bringing the Gold Rush era to life for visitors.

These educational programs and exhibits aim to preserve and interpret the story of Sacramento's founding and its significance in California's history.