There Are More Than 160 Historic Buildings In This Northern California City
By Lysa Allman-Baldwin|Published August 09, 2022
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Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Author
For over 25 years Lysa Allman-Baldwin has fed her wanderlust for “everything the world has to offer” by passionately writing travel and feature articles for numerous global print and online publications. A Digital Nomad, Lysa is also a professional speaker, workshop facilitator, and author.
The Golden State is awash with historic buildings, sites, and attractions, each one possessing its own unique history. There are more than 160 historic buildings in Sacramento and dotted throughout the greater metropolitan area. Moreover, you’ll find 53 historic buildings in Old Sacramento alone, and that entire district has been designated as a California Historic Landmark as well as a National Historic Landmark. Come along as we explore just a few of these historic structures that together shed a bright light on the city’s early founding.
Designated as both a California Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, the California State Capitol is one of the most historic structures in Sacramento.
The first thing you might notice is that it looks very much like the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. Built between 1861 and 1874, it was constructed in the Neoclassical style and features numerous outstanding architectural features both inside and out. Imposing yet majestic, it is a must-see when in Sacramento.
Another one of the most striking historic structures in town is the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium.
Except for a decade-long closure beginning in 1986, the auditorium has been in existence and operation for 85 years. When it first opened in 1927 it was the place to attend a wide array of civic activities and cultural performances. This included concerts, boxing matches, philanthropic balls, and more. It remains one of the most important Sacramento historic and cultural landmarks to this day.
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The Pony Express Terminal is the place to learn about the history of this famous financial route run by the Wells Fargo Express Company that was the end of the line here from 1860 to 1861.
The structure was built in 1852 and still maintains much of its original character and grandeur. Inside you will find a museum chock full of exhibit and gallery spaces, artifacts, photographs, and more that share the story of the importance of the Pony Express back in the day.
In the mid-1800s with a thriving Central Valley economy, this area became the first permanent European colonial settlement. As such, the fort was uniquely positioned to become the region’s economic center. Yet the construction and success were on the backs of several Native American tribes who first lived here and were exploited for decades, to their peril.
Many of Sacramento’s early founders and well-to-do personalities are buried at the Old Sacramento City Cemetery.
Also started by John Sutter, the cemetery was established in 1849 and is grandiose in scale with an estimated 25,000-plus "residents." The grounds are stunning and designed according to the Victorian-era Garden style. As you meander about, be sure to appreciate the intricate detailing on some of the headstones and tombstones.
The primary structure at the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is the Stanford Mansion.
It is named after Leland Stanford, founder of the California university that bears his name, the president of the Central Pacific Railroad, and California’s Governor from 1862 to 1863. The original structure prior to Stanford’s purchase of the property encompassed 4,000 square feet and was built in the Renaissance Revival style. An extensive renovation in the late 1800s melded it with a French Second Empire style and added another 15,000 square feet of space. It remains an active government office and event site, and guided tours are available.
All over town, you can find visitor information for each of these destinations. You can also opt to embark upon any number of specially curated self-guided and guided tours. Themed tours, such as Ghost Tours and Gold Rush-era tours are very popular here as well.
Have you been to any of these Sacramento historical destinations? If so, which did you enjoy the most? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences.
