Old Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Vernon-Brannan House
Photographed by Lane Parker, January 14, 2018
1. Vernon-Brannan House Marker
Sacramentos first post office was located on this lot in 1849. In 1853, Henry E. Robinson bought the lot from Samuel Brannan and built this three story brick building, naming it the Jones Hotel. The Sacramento Pioneer Association first organized in this building in 1854. In 1855, it became a boarding house called the Vernon House, owned by Miss O. J. Clark. In 1865, Samuel Brannan bought the building, turned it back into a hotel, and renamed it Brannan House. This building was lifted approximately nine feet in 1865.
State Registered Historical Landmark No. 604
Memorial sponsored by the Estate of Bobbie Jo Castleman, 1926-2013 in cooperation with California State Parks
Erected by California State Parks. (Marker Number 604.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 38° 34.994′ N, 121° 30.29′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Old Sacramento. It is at the intersection of Firehouse Alley and J Street, on the left when traveling west on Firehouse Alley. Marker is located on the southeast corner of the
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Regionally, this marker is 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: New England Seed Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Booth Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Eagle Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); B.F. Hastings Bank Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Pony Express (about 300 feet away); Old Sacramento (about 300 feet away); Lady Adams Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Pioneer Park (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Lane Parker, January 14, 2018
2. The Vernon-Brannan House
The Marker is visible in the lower corner of the building on the red-brick side facing Firehouse Alley.
Photographed by Lane Parker, January 14, 2018
3. Vernon-Brannan House window details
This image highlights the brick work and iron shutters on the east-facing (Firehouse Alley) side of the building.
Library of Congress
4. The Vernon-Brannan House, ca. early 1950s.
This photograph was taken for inclusion in the Historic American Buildings Survey.
Photographed by Lane Parker, January 14, 2018
5. Vernon-Brannan House during restoration
An image from an exhibit in the Sacramento History Museum. The direction of the photograph is roughly the same as that of Image 2 above.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 1, 2019
6. Vernon-Brannan House and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2018, by Lane Parker of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 1,089 times since then and 76 times this year. Last updated on May 1, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 15, 2018, by Lane Parker of San Francisco, California. 6. submitted on July 6, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
