Old Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Ten Years that Electrified Our World
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado
1. Ten Years that Electrified Our World Marker
Inscription.
Ten Years that Electrified Our World. . The 1890s was a pivotal decade of invention. The transmission of electricity from the Folsom Power House to Sacramento in 1895 was, by its size and purpose, a major national achievement. The hydroelectric power generated was three-phase alternating current, and the Folsom plant was the first powerhouse in the United States to send this type of current over long-distance wires (about 22 miles). Sacramento celebrated this achievement with a “Grand Electrical Carnival,” setting the night aglow with electric lights. The electrified urban city opened the door to the 20th century, forever changing Sacramento and urban centers around the world. The subsequent arrival of the automobile would have an almost equal impact on Sacramento and the rest of the world.
The 1890s was a pivotal decade of invention. The transmission of electricity from the Folsom Power House to Sacramento in 1895 was, by its size and purpose, a major national achievement. The hydroelectric power generated was three-phase alternating current, and the Folsom plant was the first powerhouse in the United States to send this type of current over long-distance wires (about 22 miles). Sacramento celebrated this achievement with a “Grand Electrical Carnival,” setting the night aglow with electric lights. The electrified urban city opened the door to the 20th century, forever changing Sacramento and urban centers around the world. The subsequent arrival of the automobile would have an almost equal impact on Sacramento and the rest of the world.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 38° 34.908′ N, 121° 30.22′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Old Sacramento. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this
More about this marker. The marker is part of the Historical Timeline of Sacramento. Inset Image:
Grand Electrical Carnival Program, 1895 – from the James Whitmore Collection
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Historical Timeline of Sacramento
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado
2. Invitation to the Grand Electrical Carnival
The Citizens of Sacramento, California, cordially invite you to join them in the Grand Electrical Carnival, commemorative of the successful installation by The Folsom Water Power Company of the greatest operative electrical plant on the American Continent.
Monday, September 9th, 1895.
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023
3. Ten Years that Electrified Our World Marker
Bottom right.
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023
4. Marker Within the Timeline
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 4. submitted on August 2, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
