Interesting Facts

Although Native Americans were settled in the area several thousand years beforehand, it wasn't until 1839 that Sacramento was officially "founded." Swiss �migr� and settler John Sutter, along with a group of roughly two dozen others, started laying out the settlement � complete with roads, homes, and a fort � that was to become Sacramento.
There's gold in them thar hills! Actually, the precious metal was first discovered glistening in a small stream in the Sierra foothills in 1848. From that point on, the Gold Rush exploded, and thousands of prospectors descended on tiny Sacramento. Within the next four years, it's estimated that some 100,000 49'ers from across the world settled in the area hoping to tap into the Central Mother Lode.
In recent decades, Sacramento has been home to high-profile political leaders. Ronald Reagan arrived in 1966 with wife Nancy, and after two terms as governor of California, he became the 40th president of the United States. Following the Reagans, enigmatic Jerry Brown, a two-time California governor, rose to prominence and ignited plenty of tabloid speculation regarding his romantic tryst with singer Linda Ronstadt. Brown's own White House dreams never panned out; instead, he went on to become the mayor of Oakland.
The city's biggest tourist attraction is perhaps Old Sacramento, a National Historic Landmark. Complete with wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and dozens of restored historic buildings, Old Sacramento is forever frozen in the late 19th century.
With the discovery of gold came the arrival of the railroad. Today, visitors can glimpse its development and presence at the California State Railroad Museum, where impressive exhibits feature a number of antique locomotives and narrow passenger trains. A full-scale diorama also brings to life the everyday struggles and successes of railroad workers through the years.
Anyone up for a road trip? One of the best ways to behold Sacramento's Gold Country is to hop in the car and jump on Highway 49. This 300-mile, twisting, turning stretch of road cuts straight through old, historic mining areas.
"I hear that train a-coming, it's coming round the bend." The famous Johnny Cash song "Folsom Prison Blues" takes its title and storyline from the nearby correctional facility, where Cash performed. Today's tourists can even peek inside a mock cell at the Folsom Prison Museum.
A multitude of great festivals takes place in the area annually. One of the most unique is Yuba City's Tomato Festival, held each August just northwest of Sacramento. The event is a fun-filled celebration dedicated to the beloved little fruit. In summer, local highways are often peppered by tomatoes that have tumbled off passing produce trucks.
Visitors to Sacramento get plenty of outdoor recreation at the 23-mile American River Parkway. This scenic destination is ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and horseback riding. It's estimated that more than five million people visit the parkway each year.
Hop aboard the old Delta King! The historic, five-deck riverboat once hauled passengers and provisions from Sacramento to San Francisco and is now a floating restaurant and hotel. After a day of panning for gold, kick back on the upper decks with your favorite cocktail.