West Sacramento in Yolo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Early Settlement
West Sacramento River Walk
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 29, 2015
1. Early Settlement Marker
RANCHO DE NUEVA FLANDRIA,
The Beginning of
EARLY SETTLEMENT
In 1843 or 1844, the Flemish Jan Lows de Swart, also known as John Schwartz, became one of the earliest known settlers in the West Sacramento area. He built a shack on the west side of the Sacramento River. It was 20 feet by 12 feet, of light wood frame with tule shingles, and was located six miles south of the confluence of the American River. With the help of John Sutter, Swart was successful in his application to the Mexican Governor Manuel Micheltorena for a land grant. This land was located on the west bank of the Sacramento River, now West Sacramento. It was one mile wide and twenty miles long. Mr. Swart named this land (13,000 acres) Nueva Flandria in honor of his homeland.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.
Location. 38° 35.473′ N, 121° 30.536′ W. Marker is in West Sacramento, California, in Yolo County. Marker can be reached from County Road 136. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 151 County Road 136, West Sacramento CA 95605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Township of Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Yolo County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Prisoner of the River
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is located in the northeast area of the parking lot of the Broderick boat launching facility.
Also see . . . Rancho Nueva Flandria (Wikipedia). (Submitted on January 9, 2020.)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 29, 2015
2. Early Settlement Marker - wide view
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 29, 2015
3. Marker inset: map of Nueva Flandria land grant
The marker site on this map would be on the left side of the river towards the very top, just opposite where the American River joins the Sacramento River.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 243 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 9, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
