Folsom in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Main Powerhouse
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 20, 2022
1. Main Powerhouse Marker
In July 1895, this was one of the few places
in California or the United States where you
could hear the hum and buzz of industrial
scale electricity being generated. Where
only a short time ago gold miners washed
pans of gravel in search of placer gold, water
powered turbines now spun groundbreaking
three-phase generators. Designed with
the help of the General Electric Company,
this hydroelectric power plant was one
of the first to successfully demonstrate
the economic and practical feasibility of
generating and transmitting Alternating
Current electricity over long distances.
Prior Direct Current electric power plants
could only transmit electricity for short
distances, usually less than five miles. While
this hydroelectric power plant was soon
eclipsed in size and power output by new
construction throughout California, those
power plants built on the success here. The
turbines and generators in this building lit
and powered Sacramento for over fifty years.Erected by California State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 20, 2022
2. Main Powerhouse and Marker
this page online
Location. 38° 40.788′ N, 121° 10.611′ W. Marker is in Folsom, California, in Sacramento County. Marker can be reached from Greenback Lane. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Folsom CA 95630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pushing Electrons (here, next to this marker); Cutting Edge Technology (a few steps from this marker); Lower Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Folsom Hydroelectric Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); Forebay (within shouting distance of this marker); An Electrifying Past (within shouting distance of this marker); J. Clifton Toney (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ashland Station (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Folsom.
Also see . . . California SP Folsom Powerhouse (National Archives Catalog). The National Register of Historic Places nomination form for this property.
"In the late 19th century electricity came out of the laboratory to offer its services as a working partner in the social structure. The Folsom Power House is an integral part of the story of the development of electricity for consumer use. It marked one of the first successful uses of hydroelectric power in the world. In 1895, however, many people were skeptical that electric current could be transmitted(Submitted on March 24, 2022.)over long distances. There were few who foresaw that possibility, but the Folsom WaterPower Company was one of these. This faith was reflected by the General Electric Company, which early began the manufacture of turbine waterwheels, generators, and required accessories designed toward its achieving that end. Its gamble made the success of Folsom Power House possible.Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 20, 20223. Main Powerhouse - interior
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 23, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
