Old Sacramento and Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Although there was a settlement in the area of Sacramento before the gold-rush, it was really the gold rush that created the city. Old Sacramento runs along the Sacramento River, an area that was seen as a great commercial center for the new city in the mid 19th Century. However, floods proved to be a serious problem and the city was raised by adding earth to this low lying area.

Eventually the focus of the city center shifted and this area become an impoverished, red light district. In the 1960s the area underwent redevelopment which led to the creation of what can be seen here today. Historic buildings, are now occupied by shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums. This a commercial area with a designation as a National Historic Landmark. The Old Sacramento State Historic Park includes numerous historical buildings in the area.
About 26 acres/10.5 hectares of Sacramento's old town, between I and M Street and also 2nd and Front Street, have been restored in the style of the years 1849-70, including the cobbled streets (buggy rides available).