California - Sacramento

S A C R A M E N T O , C A L I F O R N I A

Founded in 1849, Sacramento was California's first charter city. Birthplace of the pony express, the gold rush, and the first continental railroad, Sacramento is at the heart of California history. Featuring a rich historical heritage, excellent parks, museums, opera, and ballet, Sacramento is a truly a beautiful city. This state capital houses over 400,000 people, and is a growing city that prides itself on cultural and ethnic diversity. Sacramento was named by Newsweek as one of the ten best cities in the U.S.

Brief History

The first inhabitants of what is now Sacramento were the Maidu. The Maidu were a peaceful people who lived in villages of about 100-110 members. During the late 17 and early 1800's, the Spanish began to colonize the area. Gabriel Moraga named Sacramento in 1808, for the Christian rite of the Holy Sacrament. The area remained relatively unpopulated until the late 1840's when (on January 24, 1848) James W. Marshall found gold while inspecting John Sutter's mill. Within weeks migration from all parts of the world began, and the influx of prospectors didn't dwindle for years. In 1848, Sacramento finally (officially) became a city. John Sutter Jr. hired city planner William H. Warner to draft the official plan of the city. The city was immediately a hub for supplies for

California

San Francisco

San Diego

Sacramento

San Jose

Los Angeles

miners participating in the gold rush. Merchants were able to sell supplies to prospectors at inflated prices, and the city prospered. Although Sacramento continued to grow quickly, tragedy in the form of fires and floods befell the city time and time again. Yet, astonishingly, the city continued to be built and rebuilt throughout the years. Today the city stands as a monument to the pioneering spirit of Californians, and reigns as the State Capital.

Major Attractions

California State Capital Museum

Since 1869, the State Capital has served as a working museum. The building is home to the legislative branch of state government and the Governor's Office. Features include: guided tours, and informational films. Additionally, historic rooms and changing exhibits give you opportunities to learn about all aspects of California's government. Guided tours of Capitol Park are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, or upon request.

Sacramento Zoo

Considered one of the best small zoos in the country, the Sacramento Zoo is not to be missed! Featuring endangered and exotic wildlife from around the world-snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees, sun gazers, the zoo also allows visitors to view animals up-close and touch them. The zoo is located in a lush park with hundred-year-old oaks, plenty of picnic areas, and wonderful gardens.

Towe Auto Museum

This museum holds over 150 cars that detail the history of the American automobile, and the men who bought us cars. Enjoy a stroll through the history of the American road, while being blinded by glistening chrome and gleaming headlight. A must for the auto-buff in all of us!

Old Sacramento Historic State Park

This park houses a cluster of note-worth gold rush era buildings right in the center of Old Town Sacramento. Included are: the 1849 Eagle Theatre; the 1853 B.F. Hastings Building, once home to the California Supreme Court and western terminus of the Pony Express; and the 1855 Big Four Building, which today houses the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store and the California State Railroad Museum Library.

Sports Teams

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are Sacramento's NBA franchise. Calling ARCO Arena home, the Kings have played in Sacramento since 1985. The team won the NBA championship in 1950, but since then has encountered some difficulty. The last few years, however, the team has steadily been rebuilding, and had an excellent season in 2001. 2003 proved to be the Kings' 5th consecutive winning season. Look forward to great playing from this up and coming club!

Sacramento is also home to a minor league baseball team (the Rivercats), a WNBA team (the Monarchs) and a world indoor soccer league team, (the Knights). With all this activity, any sports fan will feel right at home in the heart of California.



			S A C R A M E N T O , C A L I F O R N I A Founded in 1849, Sacramento was California's first charter city. Birthplace of the pony express, the gold rush, and the first continental railroad, Sacramento is at the heart of California history. Featuring a rich historical heritage, excellent parks, museums, opera, and ballet, Sacramento is a truly a beautiful city. This state capital houses over 400,000 people, and is a growing city that prides itself on cultural and ethnic diversity. Sacramento was named by Newsweek as one of the ten best cities in the U.S. Brief History The first inhabitants of what is now Sacramento were the Maidu. The Maidu were a peaceful people who lived in villages of about 100-110 members. During the late 17 and early 1800's, the Spanish began to colonize the area. Gabriel Moraga named Sacramento in 1808, for the Christian rite of the Holy Sacrament. The area remained relatively unpopulated until the late 1840's when (on January 24, 1848) James W. Marshall found gold while inspecting John Sutter's mill. Within weeks migration from all parts of the world began, and the influx of prospectors didn't dwindle for years. In 1848, Sacramento finally (officially) became a city. John Sutter Jr. hired city planner William H. Warner to draft the official plan of the city. The city was immediately a hub for supplies for
California San Francisco San Diego Sacramento San Jose Los Angeles
			miners participating in the gold rush. Merchants were able to sell supplies to prospectors at inflated prices, and the city prospered. Although Sacramento continued to grow quickly, tragedy in the form of fires and floods befell the city time and time again. Yet, astonishingly, the city continued to be built and rebuilt throughout the years. Today the city stands as a monument to the pioneering spirit of Californians, and reigns as the State Capital. Major Attractions California State Capital Museum Since 1869, the State Capital has served as a working museum. The building is home to the legislative branch of state government and the Governor's Office. Features include: guided tours, and informational films. Additionally, historic rooms and changing exhibits give you opportunities to learn about all aspects of California's government. Guided tours of Capitol Park are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, or upon request. Sacramento Zoo Considered one of the best small zoos in the country, the Sacramento Zoo is not to be missed! Featuring endangered and exotic wildlife from around the world-snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees, sun gazers, the zoo also allows visitors to view animals up-close and touch them. The zoo is located in a lush park with hundred-year-old oaks, plenty of picnic areas, and wonderful gardens. Towe Auto Museum This museum holds over 150 cars that detail the history of the American automobile, and the men who bought us cars. Enjoy a stroll through the history of the American road, while being blinded by glistening chrome and gleaming headlight. A must for the auto-buff in all of us! Old Sacramento Historic State Park This park houses a cluster of note-worth gold rush era buildings right in the center of Old Town Sacramento. Included are: the 1849 Eagle Theatre; the 1853 B.F. Hastings Building, once home to the California Supreme Court and western terminus of the Pony Express; and the 1855 Big Four Building, which today houses the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store and the California State Railroad Museum Library. Sports Teams Sacramento Kings The Kings are Sacramento's NBA franchise. Calling ARCO Arena home, the Kings have played in Sacramento since 1985. The team won the NBA championship in 1950, but since then has encountered some difficulty. The last few years, however, the team has steadily been rebuilding, and had an excellent season in 2001. 2003 proved to be the Kings' 5th consecutive winning season. Look forward to great playing from this up and coming club! Sacramento is also home to a minor league baseball team (the Rivercats), a WNBA team (the Monarchs) and a world indoor soccer league team, (the Knights). With all this activity, any sports fan will feel right at home in the heart of California.