The city's original inhabitants were the Nisenan, a branch of the Maidu Indians, who lived in the area for 10,000 years prior to the arrival of any other settlers. Sacramento's modern history began in 1839 when John Augustus Sutter settled near the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, after receiving a 48,000-acre land grant from the Mexican Governor, Alvarado. Gold was discovered in 1848 just 30 miles east of the city, and the ensuing Gold Rush of 1849 brought thousands of fortune-seekers to Sacramento, which soon became a boomtown. California was admitted to the Union in 1850, and Sacramento became its capitol four years later.

The Old Sacramento Historic Area is a 28-acre site along the Sacramento River, featuring over 100 building which have been restored to their 1850's-1870's appearance, and which now house shops, restaurants and a number of museums. Some of these are the California State Railroad Museum, the largest of its kind in North America, the Croker Art Museum and Sutter's Fort. And you can watch politicians in action at the California State Capitol. Shoppers' paradise, Sacramento has several large malls as well as Folsom Premium Outlets and an antique mall with more then 200 dealers. While many folks enjoy golfing and tennis, water recreation tops the list of outdoor activities in the area, with more then 1,000 miles of water ways, perfect for sailing, water skiing, rafting, houseboating and kayaking.


For more information on Sacramento County, click on the link above or you can write or call:
Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau
1608 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-808-7777 or 800-292-2334
Fax: 916-808-7788