LEADING
EVENTS
IN THE
HISTORY
OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO
SINCE ITS FOUNDATION.
______________________
1839-1849
July, 1846, raising of the American flag by Commodore Sloat, at Monterey.
Discovery of gold in January, 1848, by James W. Marshall.
Foundation of the town of Sutter, now Sutterville, in 1844.
Erection of the first frame building in Sacramento, in January, 1849, by Hensley & Reading, on the corner of Front and I streets.
Population of Sacramento, April 1, 1849, 150.
Election of Frank Bates and John S. Fowler has 1st and 2nd Alcaldes, in the Fall of 1848. Fowler resigned in the Spring following, and H. A. Schoolcraft was elected to fill the vacancy.
Wages of clerks in stores in 1849 and 1850 were from 300 to 500 dollars per month, and few could be retained at that price.
The first place of public gaming in the city was situated on J. Street, between Second and Third; a few poles stuck in the ground, and covered with a wind-sail, constituted the first gaming rendezvous and bore the very appropriate name of "Stinking Tent." It was kept by James Lee, who conducted a high tone game of monte.
April, 1849, the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge, of Benicia, preached the first sermon in Sacramento.
Sutter' s Fort was built in 1839.
John A. Sutter became a resident of California in 1839.
Winter of 1847 and 1848 very dry.
The first attempt to establish a civil government under American ideas of government was made on the 30th of April, 1849.
Meeting of Constitutional Convention on the first day of September, 1849.
June 10th, 1849, first American marriage, between James H. Lappeus and Miss Ann, daughter of Mrs. Rufus Hitchcock.
July 14th, hot spell; Sunrise, 70 degrees, noon, 114 degrees, 8 PM, 82 degrees.
The first steamer floated in Sacramento waters in 1847; she was a small boat belonging to the Russian Government.
In July, 1849, a small steamer was brought out on a schooner and put together here. She was called the Sacramento, and ran between Sacramento and San Francisco; Capt. John Van Pelt was in charge, consequently he was the first American steamboat Captain on the river.
The next steamer was scow built and was called the Sacramento. She was sold for $40,000 shortly afterwards.
In October, 1849, the Mint, a side-wheel craft, made her appearance at the levee. Next came the McKim, a large steamer or for those days. On a single trip her passage money amounted to $16,000. Captain Macy had command of her.
August, 1849, opening of first school in Sacramento, C. T. H. Palmer.
May, 1849 the Rev. W. Grove Deal, of the M. E. church, instituted a regular preaching service.
The Sunday School of the Congregational Church was begun in August, 1849.
August 1, Henry E. Robinson was appointed Postmaster.
September 1, 1849, there were eight barks, eleven brigs and seven schooners lying at the city front.
The first fire in the place occurred on the night of the 13th of September, and destroyed a large quantity of hay on third and K streets.
November 1, arrival of the propeller steamer McKim, 17 hours from San Francisco.
November 6th, arrival of the steamer Senator, Captain John Van Pelt, Fare to and from San Francisco, $30.
November 8th, the first criminal proceeding held in the valley.
During November, the squatters began to organize to resist the Sutter grant.
December, 1849, the present City Cemetery was established.
On the 19th of December there was a hurricane which blew down several frame buildings.
Sam. Brannan arrived in San Francisco in July, 1846, and commenced business at Sutter's Fort on October, 1847.
John Bidwell, of Chico, arrived here in 1841; Peter H. Burnett, December 21, 1848; John H. Carroll, July 6, 1849; E. H. Miller, September 1, 1849; Dr. John F. Morse, November, 1849.
Vote on the adoption of the Constitution, 4,317 For the Constitution and 643 against the Constitution.
Immigrants commenced arriving in force about the middle or latter end of June, 1849.
First of May, 1849, 80,000 lbs. of campus canvassed hams for sale at 32 cents per pound, by George McDougall & Co.
May, 1849, attack of whites upon the Indians at Daylor's ranch.
May, 1849, Charles E. Pickett, the philosopher, wholesale and retail mountain merchant, at Sutter's Mill, Coloma.
June 23rd, the city contained eleven wholesale mercantile houses.
July, 1849, fresh beef, 15 to 20 cents per pound; veal cutlets, 25 cents; hams, 35 cents; cheese, the $1.25 to $1.50 per pound.
July 16th, grand jollification over the arrival of Commodore Jones.
July 22nd, 1849, the Rev. Mr. Roberts preached in the beautiful grove that then existed near Third and K. streets.
Congregational Church organized in September, 1849.
City Charter adopted on October 13, 1849.
October and November provisions came; scarce, flour, $50 per barrel; bread, 75 cents per loaf; beef, 50 cents per pound; mutton, $1.00 per pound; veal, 75 cents per pound.
October, 1849, first building for dramatic purposes was situated on the levee near J. Street, and was known as the Eagle Theater. Prices of the nation, $5 and $3.
Wages of carpenters and joiners, $16 per day; boss carpenters, $20 per day.
Balls and parties were given on Christmas and New Year's at the several hotels, in 1849.
1850
Great flood January, 1850.
First house of worship built near the corner of Seventh and L. streets, in November, 1850, by M. E. Church.
December, 1850, the Times says the city was at an expense of $300 to $500 per day caring for the sick and dead.
Cost of being sick and Dr. Cragin's Hospital, patient, with single room, $16 per day; two or three in one room, $12 per day; patients in the wards, $10 per day.
Small boats in the flood of 1850 with bring $30 per hour, and sell readily for $1,000.
First trouble between squatters and troops, 1850.
February 9th, 1850, meeting of Trustees of the Masons' and Odd Fellows' Hospital, to raise money to pay off their debt, which was $11,000. In May, the debt amounted to $15,000, and Miss Kirby (Mrs. James Stark), and the managers of the Tehama Theater gave a benefit to the association, which yielded $1,129.
Gambling still flourished luxuriantly; the Times of March 9th says it was cognizant of two bets, each on a single turn at monte, one for $32,000, the other $45,000.
The Legislature ordered the first election for city and county officers to be held on April 1st.
March 14, 1850, a fire occurred which destroyed the store of Benseley & Co., and the adjoining buildings.
March 20th, 1850, a fire engine imported by Lewis & Bayley was tried on the levee and worked satisfactorily through 200 feet of hose.
April 4th, largest fire that had yet visited Sacramento -- eight buildings on Front, between J. and K., were burned in half an hour. The loss in merchandise alone was $100,000.
The Times of April 4th, gives the following prices current: filtered water, $1.50 per barrel; washing and ironing, $6 and $7 and per dozen; admission to the theater, $3. for box tickets, $2. pit; musicians at the gambling houses, $15 per day; hauling lumber from the levee to Second Street, $3. per M; haircutting, $1.50; shaving, $1.; billiards, $1. per game; lodgings, for laying on the floor in your own blankets, $1. per night.
April, 1850, formation of chain-gang.
April 9, 1850, State Library established.
Brig Stafford hired and used by the city and county as a prison.
On the 20th of April the navigability of American River was demonstrated.
May, 1850, Grace Protestant Episcopal Church was established.
June, 1850, Pacific Theater on M near Front, built.
July, 1850, first California lime used for building purposes.
Meeting of settlers on the levee on the night of the 11th of August.
August, 1850, organization of the Catholic Church.
August, 1850, M. E. Church south was established.
August 14th, forty or fifty settlers arrived, officered, mounted and drilled, James Maloney in command, Dr. Robinson second officer. Fighting ensued; the Mayor and J. W. Woodland, on this side of the title men, and Jesse Morgan, of the settlers, fell the first fire. Maloney was killed in the alley between Fourth and Fifth, J. and K., while attempting to escape after his horse had been shot.
August 16th, killing of Sheriff McKinstry by "Horse" Allen, near Brighton; justifiable.
The first Grand Jury that met after the difficulties, indicted Henry A. Caulfield, John Packer and John Edwards for murder in killing Woodland, and also for an assault to murder Hardin Bigelow, the Mayor.
Farmers commenced cultivating the land in and about Sacramento. Armistead Runyon cleared $9,000 in one year from six acres of vegetables.
In April, 1850, the Mayor estimated the liabilities of this city at $60,000.
June, 1850, the gardeners placed watermelons, lettuce, radishes, beets, etc., on the market.
Nails worth $5.50 to $6.50 per keg; Burke, $30 to $40 per M.; rough lumber, $50 to $75; siding, $70 to $80, and flooring, $100 to $110 per M.
During May the first Division of the Sons of Temperance was organized under the name of the Pacific Star Division. Levi Hermanance, W. P.
Character of signs created considerable amusement. "Rest for the weary and storage for trunks," appeared on K. Street.
August 5th, failure of Barton Lee, the banker; liabilities over $1 million. Shortly after, Henley, McKnight & Hastings, and Wabass & Co., the next most extensive bankers, closed their doors.
September, 1850, First Baptist Church established.
October and November, terrible ravages of the cholera: first case of cholera, October 19th, brought by a man from San Francisco; four died on the 20th; on the 21st, 6; 22nd, 13, and the number increased daily, so that on the 27th there were 30 deaths; on the 31st there were 51 deaths reported, and after this it slowly abated, and entirely vanished by the first of December. Seventeen physicians died during the epidemic. The late John Bigler, ex-Governor of California, was a leader in relieving the sufferings of his fellow men.
Fall of 1850 J. Street was planked from Front up to Eighth Street.
On November, a fire destroyed all wooden buildings from Fifth to Fourth on K.
1851
November 2nd, 1851, Andrew J. Binney, the Levee Engineer, reported the work completed, at a total of cost of $147,026.97.
Middle of January the opposition on the river reduce the fare to $1 per head each way between San Francisco to Sacramento.
In 1851 a Mercantile Library was formed and a series of lectures delivered. This institution met with considerable success until the fire of 1852.
Racing, a pastime -- quarter track on M. Street.
On Sunday, 23rd of January, 1851, the Roman Catholic Church, corner Seventh and K. Streets, was consecrated with great ceremonies by Archbishop Alemany.
Crime ran rampant.
On the 24th of February, Frederick J. Roe was hanged by the people for the unprovoked murder of Charles Humphrey Myers.
March 19, 1851, Sacramento Union established.
On the 2nd day of May, the first torchlight procession during the contest for the election of Mayor.
State, County and City bonds and scrip in disrepute.
Sacramento City 8 per cent per month bonds, 35@45.
On June 3rd, firemen's election; H. Arents, chief, and Robert M. Folger, first, and W. H. Eakins, second assisted.
June 24th, St. John's Day, was celebrated by the Masonic fraternity.
Thomas Jenkins, charged with horse stealing, was branded on each cheek with a cattle brand and turned over to the authorities.
In June, the County and City officers granted a license for a ferry from the foot of J. Street to Washington.
A bull, as for and dog fighting den was established by Al Price; large audiences were always present.
Fourth of July was duly celebrated.
August 22nd, hanging of three men for highway robbery.
On the 13th of August the Tehama Theater was burned.
August 18th, the steamer Fawn burst her boilers four miles up the river; several persons injured.
September 18th, that Comanche, a steamboat, was launched from the Yolo side.
September 9th, opening of the American Theater.
December 15th, debt of this city $420,279.
1852
The Legislature met at Vallejo January 5th, 1852, and on the 9th resolve to come to Sacramento. On the 14th the members arrived; grand ball, tickets $20 a piece; hotels, saloons, etc., free to the honorable gentlemen; few were able to attend the ball.
On the 22nd of January the steamer Antelope, Captain John Van Pelt, arrived here.
March 7, the levee broke near the mouth of the American and the Legislature vamoosed.
May 1st, 1852, Wells, Fargo & Co express was established.
June 19th, the fight in Court between McKune and Wilson took place. McKune badly wounded. H. A. Caulfield took a hand as peacemaker in the fight.
June 24th, arrival of three rafts of oak lumber, the first since the memorable one brought down by B. R. Nickerson & Co., in '49, which was sold at the levee for $7 per foot.
On the 2nd of August, a duel with Wesson rifles took place at Oak Hill, between Edward Gilbert, first member of the Congress from this State, James W. Denver, afterwards Secretary of State. Gilbert was killed at the second fire.
On the 12th of August, 1852, the buildings and shipping were draped in mourning, and the obsequies of Henry Clay were celebrated.
September 12, the first Jewish Synagogue in the State was dedicated in this city.
September 21, 1852, the Alta Telegraph Co. was established with lines between Sacramento and Nevada.
October 2, erection of the first liberty poll on the plaza by the Whigs.
October 8, the meeting of the first Agricultural Association and Fair, that continued for a week.
On the 9th, the Democratic County Convention broke up in a row on the question whether Lewis Aldrich or John H. Kune should be nominated for District Judge.
On the 13th, burning of the Pavilion at Brighton.
November 2, 1852, the great fire. The fire started in the Millinery shop of Madame Lanos, on the north side of J. Street, between Third and Fourth. Gale from the north. Estimated loss, $10 million.
By December 3rd 761 buildings had been re-erected.
About the first of December the levee again broke.
On the 10th, the American overflowed its banks, and on the 24th the levee gave way and this city was again flooded. Land communication with the interior shutoff. Attempt of citizens to establish the city at Sutterville.
1853
New Year's Day, 1853, water and all the streets.
January 24, reconstruction of J. Street crossings at the Fort.
On January 26th, a man named Konlon was caught and whipped for an outrageous crime.
Shooting of Albert Putnam by a prostitute named Fanny Seymour. Putnam recovered.
February 7, Miss Catherine Hayes gave a concert here, the admission tickets being sold at auction; for the first choice Captain Fry paid $1,200 for the Sutter Rifles.
In March, the steamer R. K. Page collapsed a flue while racing with the Gov. Dana between here and Marysville. Four killed and several wounded. Verdict of the Corner's jury, "no one to blame."
In March, the daily arrivals by steamer was of passengers, 500, and of freight, 720 tons.
March, 1853, Sacramento Theater built.
April 26th, 1853, the reports of the salmon fishery showed that during the two months last past 800 salmon had been daily landed, and on the 26th, 2,214 were caught; and during 16 days 14,214 fish were taken.
On July 13th, 1854, the 2nd great Sacramento fire occurred. Hot weather, thermometer 100° to 105° in the shade. Fire started in a frame shanty in the block between J. and . K., Third and Fourth, from the upsetting of a camphene lamp, and consumed a large portion of this city.
The City Charter of 1851, and every subsequent one, authorized the City Council or other municipal authorities to take charge of the common schools within the city limits and provide for their support. This remained a dead letter until October 2nd, 1854, on which day an ordinance for the establishment and regulation of free common schools within the City of Sacramento was passed.
Dr. H. W. Harkness was appointed City Superintendent. The first school was opened to December 4th, at Fourth and L streets, with G. H. Peck and Misses Anderson and Frost as teachers. It had 148 pupils the first day. On February 1st, sixty days later, there were six schools, with 578 children, and a demand for three more schools.
October, 1853, the State Telegraph Co. was established, connecting San Francisco, San Jose, Stockton, Sacramento, and Marysville.
October 19, 1853, City Water works built.
1854
January 27, 1854, organization of Sacramento Pioneer Association.
March, 1854, incorporation of the California Steam Navigation Company.
August 18, 1854, organization of Sacramento Gas Company.
1855
October 15, 1855, Philharmonic Society organized, John McNeill, Musical Director.
July 17, 1855, organization of Hebrew Benevolent Society.
December 17, 1855, S. V. R. R. opened to Alder Creek.
February, 1855, first shovelfull of the earth of the Sacramento Valley Railroad.
August 14, 1855, arrival of the first locomotive, the Sacramento, for the S. V. R. R.
September, 1855, American Theater built.
December 9, 1855, H. Street Methodist Episcopal Church organized by Rev. N. R. Peck.
October, 1855, completion of the Catholic Church building.
October 17th, 1855, the Northern California Telegraph Co. was established, connecting Marysville, Oroville, Chico, Tehema, Red Bluff, Horsetown, Shasta, Tower House, Weaverville, Trinity Centre, Callahan's Ranch, and Yreka.
July, 1855, erection of the Forrest Theater, on J., between 2nd and Third.
1856
February 1, 1856, Sacramento Valley Railroad completed to Folsom.
February, 1856, First Presbyterian Church was established.
1857
March, 1857, extension of the Coltec Telegraph Company's line to San Francisco.
January, 1857, number of schoolchildren in Sacramento, 1,359 males and 1,336 females.
October 1857, the establishment of the Howard Benevolent Society.
September 18, 1857, Sacramento and Yolo Bridge commenced.
October, 1857, Sacramento Library Association organized.
February 3, 1857, Daily Bee established.
1858
April 24, 1858, an Act passed the Legislature consolidating this city and county governments of Sacramento.
1859
January 1, 1859, extension of the Northern Telegraph Company's line to Sacramento.
February, 1859, organization of the Sacramento Turn Verein.
1860
January 1, 1860, population of Sacramento, according to Cutter & Co.'s Directory, 10,990 whites and 426 colored.
January 2nd, 1860, eleventh session of the California Legislature convened.
January 9th, M. S. Latham inaugurated Governor of the State, at the Pavilion, Sacramento.
January 11th, M. S. Latham, Governor of the State, was elected United States Senator, for the term and the March 3rd, 1863.
January 18, State Agricultural Society held the annual meeting in Sacramento. Resolution appointing Sacramento as the next place for holding the State Fair.
January 19th, Lecompton and anti- Lecompton State Committees met in Sacramento.
February 6th, Pacific R. R. Convention organized in this city.
March 27th, the bill to erect a State House and make Sacramento the permanent seat of government of California, passed the Legislature finally.
April 3rd, departure of the first "Pony Express" from San Francisco.
April 5th, heavy rainstorm throughout the State. Property to the value of $100,000 destroyed in San Francisco.
April 11th, John C. Bell, a member of the Assembly, mortally stabbed in one of the lobbies of the lower House by W. H. Stone, of El Dorado.
April 12th, arrival of the first pony express at Carson City, Utah Territory.
June 3rd, steamer Chrysopolis launched in San Francisco.
September 11th, the Breckinridge State Convention met at Sacramento. W. H. Stone, who stabbed and killed John C. Bell, was acquitted by a jury in Amador County.
September 15th, daily overland mail stages between Sacramento and Portland, Oregon, commenced their trips.
November 6th, election day, California gave her electoral vote to Lincoln and Hamlin.
November 14th, news of the Presidential election in the Atlantic States received per pony express, in seven days; great rejoicing.
December 5th, the Republican Presidential Electors met at the Capitol and cast the vote of the State for Lincoln and Hamlin.
December 28, President's message to (the only copy telegraphed to the Pacific), received by pony express, 12 days from St. Louis.
December 26th, Christmas Day. A violent storm raging throughout the State, doing much damage.
1861
Extract from New Year’s Union of 1861:
"California completed her 10th year as one of the sovereign States, September, 1859. In November following she obtained her political freedom for the first time since her admission into the Union as one of the States. By her vote at the last election, cast overwhelmingly on the side of conservative principles, she burst the fetters of a sectional party bondage and took her place, among her Northern sisters, where, by identity of political and commercial interest, by early choice expressed in her Constitution, by geographical position, she of right belongs."
January 4th, 1861, the National Fast appointed by Buchanan was but slightly observed in this city.
January 13th, steamer Queen City hauled off the San Francisco route.
February 17, Pickett abandoned his long-cherished intention of delivering a seccession address, as only about twenty persons assembled to hear him.
February 22, celebration of Washington's Birthday. Jeff Davis hung in effigy at Eureka Engine House.
February 22, first brick laid on the new State Capitol.
March 20, Breckinridge State Central Committee met. Great excitement over the alleged error in the count by which McDougal was declared elected to the United States Senate.
March 27, very high stage of water in the Sacramento River. Great fears of inundation.
April 7, levee at the foot of R street seriously washed.
April 11, the water stood at 21 feet 6 inches and upwards, above low water mark.
April 21, Siloam Baptist Church burned.
April 24, great excitement attendant upon the reception of the news of the surrender of Fort Sumter.
April 30, Central Pacific Railroad Company organized.
May 15, laying of the corner-stone of State Capitol.
On the 15th of May, 1861, the corner-stone of the State Capitol was laid by the Masonic Fraternity with their impressive ceremonies. N. Green Curtis was then Grand Master.
May 24, arrival of 90 United States troops from Red Bluff on a forced march (by steamer) to Benicia.
June 29, magnificent comet made its first appearance of the northwest horizon and remained visible for several weeks afterwards.
July 18, the first daily mail from the Atlantic States arrived overland, with letters and papers from the Atlantic States.
August 22, H. M. Stowe was authorized by the Board of Supervisors to construct a City Railroad from Q. and Sixth streets to Agricultural Park.
August 25, explosion of the steamer J. A. McClelland.
September 25, burning of the Forrest Theater.
November 14, the book for subscription to the National Loan was opened at the D.O. Mills' bank, and 19,700 was subscribed during the day.
November 28, description book closed -- total amount subscribed in Sacramento, $78,350.
At 8:00 AM on the 9th of December, the northeastern levee broke. The water soon subsided and the people returned to their houses, but on the 10th of January, 1862, the levee again broke and the water was higher in the streets than ever before. Great loss of property and general depression in business.
December 23, the American River again broke through at Burns' slough.
December 24, hight of water, 22 feet 6 inches.
1862
January 3, 1862, all portions of the city north of L Street free from water.
January 5, rain and snow.
January 10, a deluge from the American River again visited this city.
January 10th, inauguration of Governor Stanford and Lieut. Governor Chellis took place at the Capitol, that point being accessible by means of boats only.
January 15th, one or two cases of small-pox reported.
January 23rd, the steamer Gem, in running up the American river, was carried through a crevasse at Rabel’s Tannery and landed 1,000 feet from the river.
January 29, snow fell 1 1/2 inches in depth.
February 7th, sinking of the steamer Nevada, below Rio Vista.
March 22nd, desperate street fight at Front and K streets; Edward Lloyd killed, and George Lloyd wounded.
September 16, Frederick N. Smith shot and killed by George Lloyd.
October 10th, G. P. Gillis arrested by Marshal Tukey for treasonable talk and sent to Alcatraz.
October 2nd, books of the C.P.R.R. Co. opened at their office on K Street. Liberal subscriptions made.
November 5th, survey of the Central Pacific Railroad commenced by Judah.
November 10th, General Wright established his headquarters as Commander of the Pacific Department, and Sacramento.
December 8th, trial of George Lloyd for the murder of Frederick N. Smith; jury failed to agree.
December 16th, a remarkable phenomenon was observed an hour or two before daylight. The eastern horizon was illuminated with a red light which caused an alarm of fire.
December 29th, murder of S. D. Carkhuff, Justice of the Peace for Sutter Township.
1863
January 8th, 1863 formal inauguration of the C.P.R.R. Co. on Front Street, Sacramento.
February 5th, General Wright made a requisition on the Governor of California, for one regiment of infantry and seven companies of cavalry, for the Federal service. The Governor promptly issued the necessary proclamation.
April 23rd, George Lloyd tried at Suisun for the murder of F. N. Smith; was acquitted.
April 25, 1863, and Act passed the Legislature to incorporate the City of Sacramento.
May 21, E. B. Crocker, of Sacramento, appointed Justice of the Supreme Court.
June 17, Union State Convention nominated F. F. Low for Governor on first ballot.
November 2, a dispatch announced the decease of Theodore D. Judah, Chief Engineer of the C.P.R.R.
1864
January 1, 1864; this day was observed throughout this city as a general day of rejoicing.
February 3, the work of raising Carolan’s building on Front and J., by hydraulic pressure, was commenced.
March 19,1864, pile driving for the Pacific R. R. bridge across the American Forever completed.
March 25, the first freight transported over the Pacific Railroad. Six cars loaded of granite from Brigham's quarries.
March 27, Freeport Railroad incorporated.
April 22, that Street Commissioners tore up the Sacramento Valley Railroad track all the way from K to P streets.
May 5, grand phenomena of a rainbow and eclipse of the sun on the same day, observed here.
May 9, announcement by telegraph of the capture of Richmond.
May 25, demonstration on receiving the news of the capture of Vicksburg.
May 29, steamer Yosemite made her first trip to Sacramento.
June 10, passengers by the C.P.R.R. and the Henness Pass Stage Route arrived in 15 hours and 30 minutes from Virginia City.
July 9, grand torchlight procession in honor of the victories of Vicksburg and Gettysburg.
August 8, commencement of the work of grading the Pacific R. R. embankment of Front Street.
August 31, schoolhouse at Thirteenth and G. streets, destroyed by fire.
Sept. 5, steamer Washoe, Captain Kidd, from San Francisco for this city, exploded her boiler near the head of Steamboat Slough, causing a frightful loss of life.
September 9, disappearance of C. L. Bird, County Treasurer; defalcation, $14,005.
November 3, grand Union barbecue at Agricultural Park.
November 4, corner-stone of new schoolhouse, Seventh and G., laid.
November 10, first excursion of the locomotive, Gov. Stanford, to Twenty-second Street.
November 26, great hurricane and destruction of bridges; Lisle's bridge destroyed by flood-wood.
1865
February 21, 1865, the Union published an advertisement dated December 11, 1864, from Selma, Alabama Dispatch, signed "X," who offered for $1 million to "cause the lives of Abraham Lincoln, W. H. Seward and Andrew Johnson to be taken by the first of March next."
March 4, inauguration of President Lincoln celebrated.
April 11, jubilee over the reception of the news of the surrender of Lee and his army, and the fall of Petersburg and Richmond.
April 19, news of the assassination of Lincoln received.
May 16th, news of the capture Jeff Davis.
August 1st, news of the loss of the Brother Jonathan with most of her crew and passengers, including General Wright and staff.
October 12th, explosion of the boilers of the steamer Yosemite.
October 22nd, burial of the remains of General Wright and wife.
1866
January 22nd, 1866, City of Stockton partially overflowed.
February 20th, a beautiful display of aurora borealis noticed in the central and northern part of the State.
March 26th, severe shocks of earthquake in San Francisco.
March 30th, death of ex-Governor McDougal.
April 16th, terrible explosion of nitro-glycerin in Wells Fargo & Co.'s office in San Francisco. Twenty-five persons killed and wounded.
May 15th, Steve Venard killed the three robbers of the San Juan stage.
1867
January 21st, 1867, great excitement in Sacramento caused by the high water in the rivers -- river 20 feet 9 inches.
February 10th, Reuben Clark, architect of the State Capitol sent to the Insane Asylum.
March 4, arrival of this steamer Capital on her first trip.
April 2nd, river 23 feet 6 inches.
May 8th, first passenger train on the C.P.R.R. run to Secret-town, 63 miles.
May 15th, first appearance of the army worm in Sacramento.
May 27th, lightning struck the store of W. A. Hedenberg, J. Street, between Eighth and Ninth.
June 5th, first silk product of Sacramento raised at Agricultural Hall, by L. Prevost.
July 30th, news of the successful laying of the Atlantic cable.
November 27th, U.S. Patent for the New Helvetia rancho or Sutter Grant, received at the County Clerk's office for recording. This grant includes the entire City of Sacramento.
February 9th, 1867, the Daily Record made its first appearance.
February 27th, the morning train on the C.P.R.R. made its first trip over the new track north of the slough.
March 21st, severe showers of rain and hail.
March 24th, the Westminister Presbyterian Church, corner Sixth and L. streets, was dedicated.
April 18th, and unusually large and beautiful meteor seen about 8 a.m. in the northeast.
May 27th, considerably excitement in this city in consequence of the seizure of lager by the revenue officers.
July 7th, hottest day of the season. Thermometer 95° at 5:00 PM.
August 16th, the Sacramento river filled with dead fish.
November 14th, a grand meteoric shower commenced about 1 AM, and continued several hours.
November 23rd, death of Francis Tukey.
December 8th, members of the Legislature, the Sacramento Pioneer Association, and invited guests, made a trip to the Summit on the first passenger train that passed through the great tunnel.
December 26th, the floor of the Water Works building was flooded by high water.
1868
January 1st, 1868, a portion of Lisle's bridge carried away by high water.
January 11th, large and brilliant meteor seen at 5 AM
January 12th, snow is one to the depth of two inches.
March 23rd, murder of Edwin Lundquist by W. H. Warren.
April 3rd, first train of cars run on the W. P. R. R.
April 20th, the eight hour law to went into operation in this city.
May 4th, the remains of Thomas J. Pierson, Maria Pierson and Hattie Pierson, murdered by Indians near Honey Lake Valley, were brought to this city for internment.
May 29, three shocks of earthquake experienced in this city.
June 18th, Rev. James S. Cotter, pastor of St. Rose's church died suddenly of apoplexy, age 34 years.
July 6th, A. H. Todd arrived in Sacramento, 12 days and 21 hours from New York.
October 21, two shocks of earthquake experienced in this city.
December 31, population of city, 20,868.
1869
April 28, 1869, Stow basement first laid in this city.
May 18, two public school buildings at Thirteenth and G. burned by an incendiary fire.
June 29, William H. Seward arrived from the East, and was entertained as a guest of this city.
July 26, Admiral Farragut arrived from the East. Our city gave him a cordial reception.
August 13, Vice President Colfax and party arrived and were cordially received.
September 16, the excursion party of Pioneers left for the East.
October 2nd, worked commenced on the new bridge over the Sacramento River.
October 20, the first shipment of oysters by rail arrived in this city.
1870
January 1, 1870, the California P. R. R. tried to put down a track across the Central track near the bridge, but were prevented by superior numbers.
January 9, the draw on the new bridge was turned for the first time.
January 15, the first train of the California P. R. R. entered the city.
January 22, the California P. R. R. were forcibly prevented from finishing their track across the C. P. R. R. track.
February 1, gas reduced to $7 per 1,000 feet.
March 24th, railroad bridge across the American River destroyed by fire.
October 30, 1871, Golden ball placed in position on top of Capitol 230 feet from the ground.
November 1, B. F. Hastings & Co., bankers, stopped payment.
November 2, run on Odd Fellows' Bank of Savings.
November 29, death of ex-Governor John Bigler.
December 8, Newton Booth inaugurated Governor.
1872
April, 1872, several deaths from lead poison, from new composition water pipes.
September 10, contract signed by Board of Trustees and Holly Manufacturing Company for the Holly water system.
October 3, visit of Prof. Agassiz.
October 9, death of James W. Coffroth.
October 26, corner stone of new Grammar School house at Fifteenth and J. streets, laid.
November 1, death of George W. Mowe.
1873
January 6th, 1873, Mortimer arraigned before the District Court for the murder of Mrs. Mary Gibson.
February 3rd, judgment of $60,000 in favor of Paulina C. Towle against Sacramento City, in U.S. Circuit Court, San Francisco.
February 6th, Capitol Park of property condemned.
March 24th, boiler of William Gutenberger's machine shop exploded, and a portion carried through the upper story of a brick house 300 feet distant. One person slightly injured.
May 16th, Mortimer hanged at the County Jail.
June 18th, Holly Water Works tested and found to work well.
September 17th, Stanford's horse Occident trotted against time, and made his mile in 2:16 3/4.
1874
February 24th, 1874, Supreme Court decided that unless the Board of Education chooses to provide separate schools for colored children, they are entitled to attend the white schools.
March 1st, heavy rain-storms throughout the valley.
March 31st, first cargo of salmon and vegetables shipped East by passenger train, by A. Booth & Co.
May 2nd, Henri Rochefort, the French refugee, passed through this city eastward.
June 14th, four cases of small-pox in a family near the County Hospital.
1875
February 19th, 1875, hanging of Estrada and Cotta for the killing of John Cruse.
1876
February 25th, 1876, hanging of David Turley.
1877
April 30th, 1877, case of Hoagland against Sacramento City, decided in favor of defendant.
June 24th, signal station established at Sacramento.
August 20th, corner-stone of First Baptist Church laid.
August 23rd, American District Telegraph Company commenced operations.
December 29, offices of the Western Union and A. and P. Telegraph Companies united.
1879
May 29, 1879, hanging of Dye and Anderson for the murder of Aaron Tullis.
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More Sacramento History
Sutter & His Fort
Sacramento
County History by Wikipedia
Transcribed
by Nancy Pratt Melton.
Source: 1880
Sacramento City Directory pages 57-73.
Publisher: H. S. Crocker & Co. Sacramento, California.
© Nancy Pratt
Melton.
Return to Golden
Nugget Library's Sacramento County