Folsom in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Original Folsom Hydroelectric Plant
February 20, 2022
1. Original Folsom Hydroelectric Plant Marker
In the 1850's, Horatio Gates Livermore and later his sons, Horatio P. and Charles E. pioneered the development of ditches and dams on the American River for industry and agriculture. One historic result was Folsom Power House, which began operations in July 1895. Power was delivered to Sacramento at 11,000 volts, which was a new achievement in long distance high voltage transmission. The capital celebrated by a grand electric carnival September 9, 1895.
The original generating plant, still in place, remained in continuous operation until 1952.
The plant was donated by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to the State of California to preserve its historical values.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 633
Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in Cooperation with the Sacramento Section, American Institute of Electric Engineers
August 22, 1958.
Erected 1958 by California State Park Commission in Cooperation with the Sacramento Section, American Institute of Electric Engineers. (Marker Number 633.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 38° 40.817′ N, 121° 10.597′ W. Marker is in Folsom, California, in Sacramento County. Marker can be reached from Riley Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Folsom CA 95630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. An Electrifying Past (a few steps from this marker); Cutting Edge Technology (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Pushing Electrons (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Folsom.
Also see . . . California State Parks -- Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park. Contains a copy of the park brochure, along with additional history write-ups. (Submitted on November 22, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)
February 20, 2022
2. Original Folsom Hydroelectric Plant Marker - wide view, with powerhouse in background
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
3. Adjacent Markers
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
4. Dedication Plaque outside Powerhouse Building Door
Folsom Powerhouse
Completed by Horatio P. Livermore in 1895.
Presented by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to the California State Park Commission in 1958.
Dedicated by the California Historical Society September 9, 1958.
Completed by Horatio P. Livermore in 1895.
Presented by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to the California State Park Commission in 1958.
Dedicated by the California Historical Society September 9, 1958.
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
5. Original equiprment inside the powerhouse building
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
6. Original Folsom Hydroelectric Plant Marker
with Powerhouse Building in the background
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
7. Pictorial History of Folsom Powerhouse
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
8. Folsom Powerhouse Building
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
9. Original equiprment inside the powerhouse building
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
10. Transformers in front of the powerhouse building
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
11. Side view of the powerhouse building
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
12. Lower powerhouse workings
with Lake Natoma in the background
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
13. Adjacent Markers
Folsom Powerhouse has been designated a National Historic Landmark
This site possess national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America.
1981
National Park Service United States Department of the Interior
This site possess national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America.
1981
National Park Service United States Department of the Interior
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
14. Adjacent Markers
National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Folsom Hydroelectric Power System
Folsom Hydroelectric Power System
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
15. Adjacent Markers
National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark
Folsom Power House No. 1
1895
First hydroelectric station to supply commercial electrical energy to the City of Sacramento.
Henry T. Knight, Chief Engineer
Folsom Water Power Company
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers--1976
Folsom Power House No. 1
1895
First hydroelectric station to supply commercial electrical energy to the City of Sacramento.
Henry T. Knight, Chief Engineer
Folsom Water Power Company
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers--1976
Photographed By Karen Key, November 12, 2006
16. Superintendent's Office / Machine Shop Building
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 4,256 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2022. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. submitted on November 22, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
