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

First Pacific Coast Salmon Cannery

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 1, 2009

1. First Pacific Coast Salmon Cannery Marker

Inscription. Founded in the town of Washington (Broderick), Yolo County by Hapgood, Hume, and Company in 1864, California’s first salmon cannery was located on a barge moored here on the banks of the Sacramento River. This small canning operation was the beginning of the salmon canning industry on the West Coast. Salmon caught in the Sacramento River were canned by the cooker-boiler method, rather than the salt preservation method commonly used at that time. The new process allowed for wider markets and lower prices. In 1866, declining salmon runs in the Sacramento River caused Hapgood, Hume and Company to move their canning operation to the Columbia River in Oregon.

Erected 2009 by California State Parks, River Cats Foundation, West Sacramento Historical Society, City of West Sacramento, and the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, April 1, 2009. (Marker Number 1040.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Notable Events • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 38° 34.986′ N, 121° 30.527′ W. Marker is in West Sacramento, California, in Yolo

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

County. It can be reached from 2nd Street. Marker is located on the West Sacramento River Walk and can be reached from 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Sacramento CA 95605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

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: Salmon Cannery (here, next to this marker); The Rivers’ Flow (here, next to this marker); Hydraulic Mining (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Plaza (a few steps from this marker); Pony Express Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Lost Boats Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Flood Control (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacramento Skyline (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Sacramento.

Regarding First Pacific Coast Salmon Cannery. This site had previously been designated as a National Historic Landmark, however the designation was withdrawn on July 14, 2004 due to both man-made and natural changes at the site. The West Sacramento Historical Society and the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, under their “West Sacramento Project Pride” program, set into motion the task of nominating this site as a California Registered Historical Landmark.
After approval by the State Office of Historic Preservation, funds were raised, and on April 1, 2009 the plaque was unveiled at its site on the West Sacramento

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 1, 2009

2. First Pacific Coast Salmon Cannery Marker

With the Sacramento River in the Background.

River Walk. In attendance at the dedication ceremony were members of the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, City Council, West Sacramento Historical Society, the State Office of Historic Preservation, members of the general public, and descendents of both William and George Hume.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 3, 2019

3. First Pacific Coast Salmon Cannery Marker

Note the improved landscaping around the marker.

The Hume Family image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 1, 2009

4. The Hume Family

Left: David Hume, Mary Jane Hume, descendants of George Hume. Right: Roberta Maloy, descendant of William Hume.

Cover Page of the Dedication Ceremony Program image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle

5. Cover Page of the Dedication Ceremony Program

April 1, 2009

Family Heirloom from the Hume Company Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 1, 2009

6. Family Heirloom from the Hume Company Office

(This carved block of wood was on the desk in the office of the G.W. Hume Co. It was carved around 1900) First to Can-Still Canning G.W. Hume Co. Established 1864 Seattle - L.C. Smith Bldg. San Francisco - Santa Marina Bldg.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,622 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on July 11, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.