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

City's First Southern Flood Levee

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 19, 2020

1. City's First Southern Flood Levee Marker

Inscription. R Street was the location for the City of Sacramento's first southern flood levee. Built in 1853, the levee stretched along Front Street on the west, R Street on the south, 31st Street (Alhambra) on the east, A Street on the north to 6th Street, and then eventually rejoining the levee on Front Street. The levee system almost encircled the entire City.

California's first commercial railroad was built on top of the R Street levee in 1856. The levee provided a safe and dry location for the rail line's first route in and out of Sacramento. The R Street levee was removed in 1903 when another levee was constructed further south. The rail tracks were re-laid at ground level where they remain today.

Erected 2011 by Capitol Area Development Authority, City of Sacramento.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 38° 34.262′ N, 121° 29.756′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Southside Park. It is at the intersection of R Street and 11th Street,

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on the left when traveling west on R Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sacramento CA 95811, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Theodore Judah (a few steps from this marker); Historic Businesses 10th to 11th Streets, North (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Businesses 11th to 12th Street, South (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Western Pacific Railroad (about 400 feet away); St. Elizabeth Portuguese National Church (about 500 feet away); Historic Businesses 12th to 13th Street, North (about 700 feet away); Historic Businesses 12th to 13th Streets, South (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fremont Cash Grocery

City's First Southern Flood Levee Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 19, 2020

2. City's First Southern Flood Levee Marker - wide view

The marker, difficult to see here, is embedded in the sidewalk at the street corner.

(approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 327 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.