West Sacramento in Yolo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Township of Washington

West Sacramento River Walk

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 29, 2015

1. The Township of Washington Marker

Inscription. In 1846 James McDowell purchased 600 acres of land from Jon Schwartz. James was later killed in a barroom brawl leaving his wife Margaret a widow with five children to raise. In August 1849 she had 160 acres of this property surveyed and divided into forty- one, blocks, thus designating the township of Washington. (See map at right) Several of the streets were named for members of her family. To support herself Margaret began selling these town lots.

In 1851, Margaret married to Dr. Enos Taylor and together they contined to sell these parcels. They also provided land for a school and town hall. Being located across from Sacramento, Washington became a politcal and commercial center for Yolo County.

Washington was the county seat from 1850 to 1857, and again from 1860 to 1862. Because of the constant flooding in the valley during winter, the county seat was permanently moved to Woodland in 1862.

In 1914 the town was renamed Broderick after the California State Senator, David C. Broderick.

Erected by City of West Sacramento, West Sacramento Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker

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is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1849.

Location. 38° 35.475′ N, 121° 30.557′ W. Marker is in West Sacramento, California, in Yolo County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

in Sacramento Valley,

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Early Settlement (within shouting distance of this marker); Yolo County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Prisoner of the River (approx. half a mile away); 1854 Flagpole (approx. half a mile away); 1854 City Hall and Waterworks (approx. half

The Township of Washington Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 29, 2015

2. The Township of Washington Marker - wide view

a mile away); Influences on the River (approx. half a mile away); Sacramento Water Works (approx. half a mile away); Sacramento Skyline (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Sacramento.

More about this marker. The marker is located in the northwest area of parking lot of the Broderick boat launching facility.

Also see . . . Broderick, California (Wikipedia). "Broderick (formerly, Washington) is a former town in Yolo County, California, United States, now forming part of the City of West Sacramento...." (Submitted on January 9, 2020.)

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 916 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.