West Sacramento in Yolo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Rivers’ Flow
West Sacramento River Walk
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009
1. The Rivers’ Flow Marker
Prior to European settlement in the mid-1800s, river flows in the valley changed with the seasons: spring torrents followed by low water during the summer. Construction of dams and other flood control measures during the mid-to late 1950s tamed the surrounding rivers’ unpredictable levels, but also destroyed the floodwaters’ natural role in clearing old debris and silt from the channel. Farmlands protected by levees no longer receive nourishing silt provided by periodic flooding.The Sacramento River followed a meandering course of oxbow bends, islands, and sandbars before the banks were stabilized and fortified to prevent flooding.
Erected by City of West Sacramento.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 38° 34.99′ N, 121° 30.527′ W. Marker is in West Sacramento, California, in Yolo County. Marker can be reached from 2nd Street. Marker is located on the “River Walk” at River Walk Park on the Sacramento
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hydraulic Mining (here, next to this marker); Salmon Cannery (here, next to this marker); First Pacific Coast Salmon Cannery (here, next to this marker); Veterans Plaza (a few steps from this marker); Pony Express Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Flood Control (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacramento Skyline (within shouting distance of this marker); Influences on the River (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Sacramento.
Also see . . .
1. History of the Sacramento’s Delta. (Submitted on January 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Wikipedia Article on the Sacramento River. (Submitted on January 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional commentary.
1. The American River
Spanish speaking Native Americans called the Canadian trappers traversing the river "Americanos" and referred to the river as "El Paso de los Americanos".
— Submitted February 16, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009
2. The Rivers’ Flow Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009
3. Close-Up of Artwork on Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 29, 2009
4. Close-Up of Artwork on Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,138 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
