Old Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Photographed By Syd Whittle, December 3, 2008
1. Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum Marker
Erected 1977.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is September 9, 1850.
Location. 38° 34.87′ N, 121° 30.395′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Old Sacramento. Marker is at the intersection of Front Street and L Street, on the right when traveling south on Front Street. Marker is located at the base of the flag pole. The museum is located at Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 Front Street, Sacramento CA 95814, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. USS Sacramento (PG-19) (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Merchant Marine Monument (about 400 feet away); Sacramento’s Maritime Heritage (about 400 feet away); The United States Merchant Marine (about 400 feet away); U.S.S. Sacramento 1863 – 1867 (about 400 feet away); “Cobblestone” Ballast (about 400 feet away); U.S.S. Sacramento 1914 – 1942
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. A Visit to the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse
A visit to the Old Schoolhouse Museum will give you a real and lasting impression of what school in California was like more than 100 years ago. As you sit at a desk and observe the materials used in the 1800s, you will be able to develop an appreciation of the daily activities of boys and girls of long ago.
A formal education was not available to all boys and girls prior to the Public Schools Law of 1849, Before our state public school system was established, parents in a community assumed the responsibility of providing for the education of their children. The first public school in Sacramento City opened February 20, 1854.
A typical early school was a one-room building heated by a pot-bellied stove. The school term was short, only a few months. All students were taught by one teacher, and the students sometimes ranged from first to eighth grade. The students were not arranged according to grade; however, they “went through their books” and progressed in
Photographed By Syd Whittle, December 3, 2008
2. Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Supplies and materials were limited, and the students paid for their own. Students also provided their own entertainment in the way of games and activities.
Some children walked to school, but generally not more than two miles away. The older boys were responsible for building the fires in the stove, while the fathers contracted to furnish wood. The boys were allowed time during the school day to bring in wood and to split kindling.
— Submitted December 4, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 12, 2007
3. Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 12, 2007
4. Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum Collection
5. Vintage Postcard - Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,191 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 4, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on February 6, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
