Sacramento Capital History: On This Day, February 25th
Sacramento’s Journey to Becoming California’s Capital
On February 25, 1854, Sacramento officially became the capital of California, a milestone marked by the Sacramento History Museum with a look back at the state’s previous capitals and a demonstration of historic printing techniques. The move solidified Sacramento’s role in California’s governance, but it was the culmination of a five-year period of shifting locations as the young state sought a permanent seat of government.
Prior to 1854, California’s capital status had been something of a revolving door. According to the Sacramento History Museum, the capital had previously been located in Monterey (under Spanish and Mexican rule and U.S. Military governance until 1849), San Jose (1849-1851), Vallejo (briefly in January 1852 and again in January 1853), and Benicia (1853-February 1854). The constant relocation reflected the political maneuvering and regional interests of the time.
The Sacramento County Courthouse, constructed in 1851 at the intersection of I and 7th Streets, initially served as the Capitol building. However, this arrangement was short-lived. Just months after Sacramento was designated the capital, on July 13, 1854, the courthouse was destroyed by fire, occurring immediately after the end of the legislative session. Remarkably, a new Capitol building was quickly constructed in the same location, allowing for the continuation of government operations.
The current State Capitol building, located at L and 10th Streets, was completed in the 1860s, replacing the temporary structure. It remains the center of California’s state government today.
The Sacramento History Museum’s recent commemoration of the 1854 decision included a discussion of California’s earlier capitals and a demonstration of letterpress printing. Jared, a representative of the museum, printed electrotypes – copies of woodcut images – of the State Capitol building from the 1890s using a Washington hand press and black rubber base ink. These images, sourced from the Lewis Winter Collection, offered a visual comparison to the Capitol grounds as they appear today, highlighting the changes over time.
The journey to establishing Sacramento as the capital wasn’t without its challenges. As reported by Celebrate California, lawmakers representing the Bay Area attempted to prevent the move to Sacramento, employing various legislative strategies. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and Sacramento secured its place as the permanent seat of California’s government.
Benicia, a previous capital, was described as a relatively luxurious location, having been gifted 156 acres by Mariano Vallejo. The town boasted a new brick town hall with impressive architectural features and a lively nightlife, including a 24-hour saloon with two pianos. Vallejo, initially named Eureka, was also considered, with plans for a comprehensive city including a capitol, schools, a botanical garden, a hospital, and even a prison. Vallejo offered to contribute $370,000 towards construction costs, but Sacramento prevailed.
The selection of Sacramento as the capital marked a significant moment in California’s history, establishing a stable center for state governance and setting the stage for the state’s continued growth, and development. The Sacramento History Museum’s remembrance serves as a reminder of the state’s evolving past and the importance of preserving its historical landmarks.