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

A Reformer Emerges

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado

1. A Reformer Emerges Marker

Inscription. The reformer who emerged to challenge the leadership and direction of government was Hiram Johnson. Johnson served as governor for two terms from 1911 to 1917, and then as a U.S. Senator from 1917 until 1945. When he was elected governor, California voters also passed the Initiative, Recall, and Referendum Act. During his term as governor, Johnson worked with the progressive legislature to curb the monopolistic interests of railroad companies in California.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 38° 34.907′ N, 121° 30.219′ 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: Ernesto Galarza (here, next to this marker); Ten Years that Electrified Our World (here, next to this marker); War Games (here, next to this marker); A Time of Panic and Unrest (here, next to this marker); A Transportation Hub

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(here, next to this marker); The Early Homeless (here, next to this marker); The Educators (here, next to this marker); The Land Legacy (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:
Political Cartoon, Sacramento Bee, ca. 1910 – from the Eleanor McClatchy Collection

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

Also see . . .
1. Why Did California Adopt the Recall?. History News Network

"Hiram Johnson set the tone for the session with his inaugural speech in which he asked: "How best can we arm the people to protect themselves hereafter?" In an answer to this question, the legislature's first actions were the direct democracy provisions. The initiative and referendum were quickly approved. The recall, however, ran into trouble."

(Submitted on August 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

2. Gallery of Governors: Hiram Johnson. California State

Ten Years that Electrified Our World Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023

2. Ten Years that Electrified Our World Marker

Bottom center.

Library

"The Lincoln-Roosevelt League asked Johnson to run as the reform candidate for Governor. Johnson reluctantly accepted. This gubernatorial campaign was significant as it was the first in California to use the direct primary system. This was the first public office Johnson held."

(Submitted on August 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Marker Within the Timeline image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 24, 2023

3. Marker Within the Timeline

Hiram Johnson image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

4. Hiram Johnson

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 217 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.