Old Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 1, 2019
1. First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site Marker
At this location on January 8, 1863, Governor Stanford surrounded by politicians and locals, announced the start of the United States first transcontinental railroad. You are standing at Mile Marker 0, the origin of the Central Pacific Railroad which traversed east connecting with the Union Pacific Railroad, which joined the United States for the first time in its history. Over six years, thousands worked to construct the railroad. History remembers the driving of the Last Spike at Promontory, Utah on May 10, 1869 as the completion of the railroad. However, a labor dispute with Union Pacific postponed the celebration for two days.
Completion of the transcontinental railroad fundamentally changed the region and put the city of Sacramento on the map.
Excerpt of contemporary announcement of the railroad's completion:
1863 C. P. R. R. 1869
Grand Railroad celebration in honor of the completion of the Great National Railway across the continent.
The Completion of this Great Work will be Celebrated in Sacramento, on the Eighth Day of May, 1869, Under the Direction of the Committee of Citizens Chosen for that Purpose.
H.S. Crocker & Co.s Print, Sac.
To be further inspired by our railroad heritage, visit the California State Railroad Museum at 125 I Street. For information on riding
this page online
Erected by California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum. (Marker Number 780.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 8, 1863.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 34.956′ N, 121° 30.368′ W. Marker was in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It was in Old Sacramento. It was at the intersection of Front Street and K Street, on the left when traveling north on Front Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 190 Front Street, Sacramento CA 95814, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Sacramento Valley and specifically in the Central Valley. It was also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it was 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 found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Mile Marker 0 (a few steps from this marker); Pony Express River Steamer Antelope (a few steps from this marker); Lady Adams Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Booth Building
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023
2. Marker is Gone
Other markers no longer nearby. First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site (has been reported to have been replaced with this marker); Freight on the Move (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Sacramento River Waterfront (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); Pioneer Park (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site. This marker replaced a marker with the same name, First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 1, 2019
3. First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site Marker
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, June 26, 2022
4. A nearby 150th anniversary marker for the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 1, 2019
5. Mile Marker 0
Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017
6. Official First Transcontinental Railroad Marker, inside the nearby museum
This is the first of a series of First Transcontinental Railroad markers placed across California, all with number 780.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,257 times since then and 167 times this year. Last updated on May 1, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on July 7, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on July 28, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 3. submitted on July 7, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on July 10, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 5. submitted on July 7, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 6. submitted on March 11, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
