Central Business District in Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Squatters Riot

Photographed By Syd Whittle, December 28, 2008

1. The Squatters Riot Marker

Inscription. In the street, at the corner of Fourth and J, on Aug. 14, 1850, settlers were confronted by the Mayor and the Sheriff. The fatalities that day and the next ended THE SQUATTERS RIOTS [Column 1]
Hardin Bigelow, Mayor
J. W. Woodland, Assessor
Joseph McKinney, Sheriff

[Column 2]
James Maloney, Squatter
Jesse Morgan, Squatter
Three Others, Squatter

Erected 1982 by New Helvetia Chapter No.5, E. Clampus Vitus, August 7, 1982.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1865.

Location. 38° 34.943′ N, 121° 30.097′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in the Central Business District. Marker can be reached from J Street near 4th Street, on the right. Marker is mounted on the California Fruit Building facing J Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. St. George Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Central Pacific’s Other Big Four (within shouting distance of this marker); The Preservationists

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Decay and Redevelopment (about 600 feet away); Women in the Wartime Workforce (about 600 feet away); A United Effort (about 600 feet away); The Early Homeless (about 600 feet away); A Transportation Hub (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

Additional commentary.
1. The Squatters Riots
Gold Rush newcomers are unhappy about Sutter's land titles and the result are the "Squatter's Riots. " The climax of these riots is a gun fight at the corner of 4th and J Streets in Sacramento. Victims of these riots include both the city's sheriff and mayor.
Source: Sacramento History Online – TimeLine 1850 (http://www.sacramentohistory.org/resources_timeline.html#4079)

— Submitted December 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, December 28, 2008

2. The Squatters Riot Marker

The California Fruit Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, December 28, 2008

3. The California Fruit Building

4th Street view of building. Marker is located on J Street side of building - off photo to the right

Hardin Bigelow Burial Site image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 30, 2006

4. Hardin Bigelow Burial Site

Sacramento City Cemetery
Click for more information.

Joseph H. McKinney Marker image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Syd Whittle

5. Joseph H. McKinney Marker

Sheriff McKinney was originally buried at the New Helvetia Cemetery, but was later re-interred at East Lawn Memorial Park.
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,684 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on May 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.