Just 200 years ago the Sacramento area was very much alive with Miwok, Maidu, and Shonommey Indians. Indications are that they had lived here for thousands of years. Spiritually, they felt connected to the earth in such a way they consumed only what they needed to survive. Consequently, they left little trace of their extended history. Relatively few images exist depicting their way of life. We found this particular image in the city archives and were required to wear white gloves to examine and photograph it.
Because of the plentiful oak trees in the region, the Indians used acorns as their primary source of food. They also prepared fresh greens, fruits, seeds, bulbs, and roots throughout the year to add variety to their diet. Arriving in the early 1800's, the Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga named the city's major river and surrounding area "Sacramento", the Spanish word for Holy Sacramento. Soon after, European settlers began to change the ancient lifestyle of the native Indian forever.
The discovery of gold in Coloma in 1848 would change the face of the area and turn Sacramento into a bustling hub of pioneer energy. The early 1850's would bring devastating floods, fires and cholera to the people of the Sacramento Valley. However, historical records show that within three to four years the valley was healing itself and well on the way to establishing its presence in the West. This image depicts life at Front Street between J and K around 1860.
Rivers played an important part in the economic success of the area by providing transportation and commerce. Taxes were placed on goods unloaded from boats and loaded into rail cars.
This image depicts life at the corner of 12th and K Street in 1919 .
Originally built in 1877 for Albert Gallatin, this house soon became known as the Governor's Mansion. Thirteen of California's governors have called this regal mansion their home.
Constructed of granite and completed in 1874, the State Capitol Building stands proud, reminiscent of the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C.
California's
State Capitol was built in the Renaissance Revival style, reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. The Capitol's granite base has color variations because the stone initially used, excavated from a quarry near Folsom, was found to be too coarse. A new quarry was selected, though the granite was several shades lighter. The building was finally completed in 1874 at a cost of $2.4 million. The bronze state seal in front of the west entrance was fashioned by San Quentin State Prison inmates.
Over the years the building endured a number of remodelings, many of them insensitive to the building's architectural character. When a powerful earthquake struck southern California in 1971, lawmakers began questioning whether the State Capitol could withstand a major tremor. An investigation found that the old brick walls
were bearing loads far exceeding their structural capacity. The State Capitol reconstruction took 6 years and cost $67.8 million. Today, the California Department of Parks and Recreation manages the historic rooms of the State Capitol, the most significant public building in the state.
There is a modest exhibit that outlines the history of the State Capitol located within the granite walls. A ten-minute film that examines the historical development of the State Capitol, "A Legacy Restored", is shown every quarter hour. The basement rotunda features murals depicting eras in California history. It was painted in 1913 by Arthur F. Mathews.The Capitol Building is located at10th and L Streets downtown. Capitol Museum tours are given on the hour between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM seven days a week. For groups over 10 or more or for more information please call (916) 324-0333.
Tour Vision is a registered service mark of TourVision Sacramento-Sacramento Valley
