Sacramento's Rise to an Urban Metropolis
A Brief History of Sacramento Culture and Diversity
Oct 12, 2009
Originally, Sacramento was the home for many Native Americans. The area was alive with Miwok, Shonomy, and Maidu Indians before European settlers moved into the fertile area. Sutter’s Fort was one of the first European settlements. Gold was discovered in the area in 1848 at Sutter’s lumber mill and drew those with gold rush fever to the area. Sutter’s workers also left the Fort (leaving before the mill could be finished) to dig for gold. The Fort was then abandoned and left to deteriorate until the Native Sons of the Golden West started restorations in 1893. In 1854, Sacramento became the state capitol and in 1860 the terminus of the Pony Express. In 1869, the railroad was completed, leading to the area’s growth and prosperity.
Sacramento Region Population Information
Sacramento is just over an hour from San Francisco in the Northern part of California. It is also within easy driving distance of Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nevada. The population is a little over 400,000, but the surrounding metropolitan area has over 2 million people. The people of the city come from all walks of life and as many cultures. Some say the city is small representation of the world’s population. The city boasts many famous sons, such as Sam Elliott, Herb Caen, Charles Schwab, Mark Spitz, and the Unabomber to name a few.
Sacramento Technology and Farming
Sacramento city is a unique combination of agriculture, urban life and high-tech centers. It has that small town feel and friendliness, while offering trendy downtown shopping areas, great restaurants, wine bars, museums and theaters. Many manufacturing companies, biotechnology companies, and financial institutions have made Sacramento their home. Sacramento is in the heart of the Central Valley, which is prime agricultural land. This provides delicious local fruit and vegetables along with world-class wines from nearby vineyards.
Sacramento Culture and Lifestyle
Sitting at the confluence of two rivers, the American and the Sacramento, allows the region to be a center for commerce and trade. Steamboats paddle their way up the rivers carrying tourists and locals who wish to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water. The elegant tree-lined streets of the city invite people to get outdoors and walk through the districts. It is a beautiful city to walk in and there are many events that take advantage of the beauty. There is the monthly Artists’ Walk (Second Saturday) where you can walk on a path and see art displayed by the local artists. Additionally, the annual Jazz Festival takes over many of the city streets, filling the air with music and the heavy, smoky odor of barbeque.
Sacramento is a rich city filled with a diversity of cultures and lifestyles. All year around there are local events, festivals, and outdoor activities to explore and enjoy, and cultural events galore to enrich your soul. From Old Town to Downtown, the City of Trees has something for everyone.
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