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

The Educators

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado

1. The Educators Marker

Inscription. The equality of education in Sacramento area schools had been the focus of a number of reformers. Educator activists in the 19th century are well represented by Sarah Jones, and in the 20th century by Mary Tsukamoto. Jones was an African American educator who graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio. When Sacramento permitted integrated schools in 1880, Jones became the principal of the first integrated public school in the area. Two generations later, segregated schools continued to operate in all other parts of California. After attending such schools, Mary Tsukamoto spent much of her adult life contributing to civil rights causes. She became one of the first persons of Japanese ancestry to teach in California’s public schools. An expert teacher, Tsukamoto excelled in kindling grade school children’s interest in history.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Asian Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 38° 34.909′ N, 121° 30.223′ 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

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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: The Land Legacy (here, next to this marker); Women Enter the Fray (here, next to this marker); A Time of Panic and Unrest (here, next to this marker); A Diversity of Denominations (here, next to this marker); Ten Years that Electrified Our World (here, next to this marker); Social Problems Grow (here, next to this marker); A Reformer Emerges (here, next to this marker); A Capitol Idea (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:
Lincoln School Class, ca. 1910 – from the Phyllis Azevedo Collection

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

Also see . . .
1. Sarah Jones. KQED website entry (Submitted on September 19, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Mary Tsukamoto. Densho Encyclopedia (Submitted on September 19, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023

2. The Educators Marker

Left of center.

Marker Within the Timeline image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023

3. Marker Within the Timeline

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 214 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 3. submitted on August 2, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.