|
Sacramento Attractions
Capt. John Sutter, a Swiss emigrant, settled at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers in 1839 on a 50,000-acre land grant from the Mexican government. The town of Sacramento was laid out on Sutter's property in 1848--the same year that James Marshall discovered gold near the South Fork of the American River to start the great California gold rush.
Sacramento quickly grew into a major supply center for the northern Mother Lode country. It was devastated 1849-53 by two floods and two fires that leveled two-thirds of the town. Nonetheless, it was chosen as the state capital in 1854 and fought off subsequent challenges by Berkeley, San Jose and Monterey.
In 1856 the first railroad in California connected Sacramento with Folsom, and in 1860 the town became the western terminus of the Pony Express line from St. Joseph, Mo. The transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. Agriculture took hold in the fertile Sacramento Valley, and the city's continued prosperity was assured.
Today Sacramento is an important highway, rail and river hub; the state capital; and the marketing center for a rich agricultural region. Nearby military installations and the space and aviation industries also contribute to Sacramento's economy. A deepwater channel to San Francisco Bay was completed in 1963, making the city a major inland port.
A landmark in the heart of downtown Sacramento, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament at 1017 11th St. at K Street is part of a complex of Victorian buildings. Built in the Italian Renaissance style in 1886, it was the largest Roman Catholic church west of the Mississippi River until 1966. The cathedral's 218-foot bell tower and stained glass windows are noteworthy.
The Wells Fargo History Museum, in the Wells Fargo Center at 400 Capitol Mall, has exhibits illustrating the commercial development of Wells Fargo Bank and its role during the gold rush, including such historical subjects as stagecoach travel, the Pony Express and gold rush banking. Items exhibited include a fully restored Wells Fargo stagecoach, photographs and a postal collection; phone (916) 440-4161.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, bounded by the cities of Sacramento, Stockton, Tracy and Pittsburg, was reclaimed in the 19th-century with labor by Chinese workers. Renowned for its relaxed lifestyle, the delta is northern California's water sports destination. Throughout this rich farmland winds a series of waterways punctuated by hundreds of islands, historical towns, marinas and resorts. Houseboating is a favorite means of exploring the delta. Fishing, camping and picnicking also are popular.
ARCO Arena, at 1 Sports Pkwy. near the intersection of I-5 and I-80, is the home of the Sacramento Kings professional basketball team. The arena also is the scene of many other events and performances; phone (916) 928-6900 for information.
Sacramento is the northern terminus of a scenic 33-mile stretch of SR 160 that heads south to Isleton along the Sacramento River.
|
|
