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

Original Folsom Hydroelectric Plant

Folsom Hydroelectric Plant Marker image. Click for full size.

February 20, 2022

1. Folsom Hydroelectric Plant Marker

Inscription.
In the 1850's, Horatio Gates Livermore and later his sons, Horatio P. and Charles E. pioneered the development of ditches and dams on the American River for industry and agriculture. One historic result was Folsom Power House, which began operations in July 1895. Power was delivered to Sacramento at 11,000 volts, which was a new achievement in long distance high voltage transmission. The capital celebrated by a grand electric carnival September 9, 1895.

The original generating plant, still in place, remained in continuous operation until 1952.

The plant was donated by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to the State of California to preserve its historical values.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 633

Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in Cooperation with the Sacramento Section, American Institute of Electric Engineers
August 22, 1958.

Erected 1958 by California State Park Commission in Cooperation with the Sacramento Section, American Institute of Electric Engineers. (Marker Number 633.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce

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• Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the Chinese Heritage Sites of the American West, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1895.

Location. 38° 40.817′ N, 121° 10.597′ W. Marker is in Folsom, California, in Sacramento County. It can be reached from Riley Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Folsom CA 95630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

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 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: An Electrifying Past (a few steps from this marker); Cutting Edge Technology (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Pushing Electrons (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Folsom.

Also see . . . Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park. California State Parks website entry: Contains a copy of the park brochure, along with additional history write-ups. (Submitted on November 22, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)

February 20, 2022

2. Folsom Hydroelectric Plant Marker

The powerhouse in in the background.