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

A Capitol Idea

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado

1. A Capitol Idea Marker

Inscription. For Sacramento, the prize of statehood was being named California’s capital in 1854. The logistics of finding a suitable location for the Capitol building itself proved to be a frustrating challenge to the City. One early site was destroyed by fire, and another required the state to share a building with the county jail and courthouse. The legislature even met in the county courthouse while the building was being raised off its foundation in a flood prevention effort. By 1860, the state, with assistance from Sacramento, began construction on a Capitol intended exclusively for state use. The building, which still serves as the State Capitol, was not completed until 1874.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 38° 34.91′ N, 121° 30.228′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Old Sacramento. It can be reached from the intersection of K Street and Interstate 5, on the right when traveling east. The metal marker is along the pedestrian walk where K Street extends under the freeway overpass towards downtown. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sacramento CA 95814, 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: Generous Souls (here, next to this marker); Social Problems Grow

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(here, next to this marker); The Sisters of Mercy (here, next to this marker); Business Expands (here, next to this marker); Transportation Gathers Steam (here, next to this marker); A Diversity of Denominations (here, next to this marker); California's Big Four (here, next to this marker); Women Enter the Fray (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

More about this marker. The marker is part of the Historical Timeline of Sacramento.
Inset Image:
Raising the County Courthouse, ca. 1863 – from the California State Library Collection

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Historical Timeline of Sacramento

Also see . . . Previous Capitols — and Capitals — of California. California State Library

"California’s seat of government has met in several buildings located in various California cities over the centuries."

(Submitted on August 2, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023

2. A Capitol Idea Marker

Bottom right.

Marker Within the Timeline image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023

3. Marker Within the Timeline

Early Photo of the Capitol image. Click for full size.

4. Early Photo of the Capitol

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 2, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.