by Shawn Borin

Created on: May 13, 2010   Last Updated: May 15, 2010

A Guide to Sacramento’s Gold Rush Days

The City of Sacramento, California was founded in 1848 right before the height of the California Gold Rush.  Few people outside California know that the original gold discovery in California was made in the foothills outside of California.  Gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill owned by Sacramento businessman John Sutter.  Because of Sacramento’s proximity to the hills filled with Gold, Sacramento became the center city of the Gold Rush era.  Because of this, Sacramento became one of the most important cities in the development of the Transcontinental Railroad and eventually the Capitol of Sacramento. 

To commemorate Sacramento’s role in the California Gold Rush and to celebrate Sacramento’s heritage, every year Sacramento celebrates Gold Rush Days.

What Are the Gold Rush Days?

Sacramento’s Gold Rush Days are a four day event held in Old Sacramento during Labor Day Weekend.  Old Sacramento is the historic area of Sacramento that contains 53 historic buildings. 

The area is registered as a National and California historic landmark.  Old Sacramento is home to the California Railroad Museum and Sacramento’s Delta King Steamboat.

Sacramento’s Gold Rush Days literally turns back the clock by transforming Sacramento’s already historic area into a scene taken from the 1850’s.  Dirt is dumped on the cobblestone streets of Old Sacramento to give the sense of what the area looked like during the Gold Rush. 

Re-enactors stage gun fights in the streets and period instruments and played on every corner. The Pony Express rides again. Historical food is sold along the streets and arts and crafts demonstrations are offered everywhere you go.  There are also horse drawn carriage rides offered that provide views of the City.

The Purpose of Sacramento’s Gold Rush Days

The purpose of Sacramento’s Gold Rush Day is to bring the past to life.  Historical artifacts and exhibitions are placed all around Old Sacramento.  And around the City as a whole, exhibitions are held celebrating Sacramento’s heritage and history.  The best part about Gold Rush Days is there is no admission price to enjoy most of the great events around the City.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a City that is proud of its heritage.  More importantly, Sacramento loves to share its history with the public for very little price.  Sacramento’s Gold Rush Days is a great event to learn some history about the California Gold Rush and get a sense of what life was like for the millions of people who came to California seeking Gold. 

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