As you enter Old Sacramento’s 28-acre town of historic buildings that were constructed in the early 1800s, you’ll step back in time to the California Gold Rush era.
Pioneers first settled along the banks of the Sacramento River, a main traffic route for supplies. But the new city experienced flooding and fires. In 1850 Sacramento experienced its first devastating flood, and another one in 1852. It became apparent that drastic measures would need to be taken if the city was to be saved.
In 1853 a mammoth project was proposed to raise the city above the flood stage. The ambitious and expensive proposal was not totally accepted until another devastating flood swept through the city in 1862. Within a few years, thousands of cubic yards of earth were brought in on wagons and the daring scheme to raise the street level can be seen throughout Old Sacramento under the boardwalks and in its basements.
The center of the commercial district gradually moved east, leaving the area impoverished. In the mid-1960s, a redevelopment plan was granted to revitalize a once thriving merchant community. Today, after strong preservation efforts with 53 historic buildings, Old Sacramento has more buildings of historic value condensed into its 28-acres than any area of similar size in the West. The nostalgic appeal of early American history is reflected perfectly by the wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, old-fashioned candy shops and Mississippi-style riverboats. History comes to life through interactive experiences, such as taking a ride on a steam engine train, sitting in an authentic desk inside a one-roomed 1800s replica schoolhouse, or dressing in period costumes for an old-fashioned photo. Old Sacramento is a National Landmark and a portion is designated as a California State Historic Park.
No comments:
Post a Comment