Historical Marker

First Synagogue

Historical marker location:
Sacramento, California
( Marker is on 7th Street south of L Street, on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1958

Owned by Congregation B'nai Israel

Jewish
California was once a part of Mexico before it became a U.S. state. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 and California became a Mexican territory. However, in 1846, the U.S. declared war on Mexico and after a brief conflict, California was ceded to the U.S. as a part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
California random facts
Sacramento County, located in central California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was populated by Native American tribes, including the Nisenan, Miwok, and Plains Miwok people. They lived off the abundant natural resources in the region, including the Sacramento and American rivers.

In 1808, Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga was the first documented European to visit the area. Then, in 1839, Swiss immigrant John Sutter established a trading post called Sutter's Fort along the American River, attracting settlers to the area. This led to the beginning of Sacramento's transformation from a small outpost to a bustling city.

The California Gold Rush of 1848 further propelled the growth of Sacramento County and the larger Sacramento region. Thousands of gold seekers flocked to the area, turning Sacramento into a booming commercial center. The city's location at the convergence of major rivers made it a key transportation hub for gold miners heading to the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Sacramento County was officially established on February 18, 1850, following California's admission to the United States as a state. The county quickly developed into a political and economic center, becoming the capital of California in 1854. Over the years, Sacramento County has continued to grow, attracting industries such as agriculture, government, and technology. Today, it is home to over 1.5 million people and remains an important cultural and economic hub in northern California.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sacramento County, California.

  • 1839: Sacramento County is established as one of the original 27 counties of California.
  • 1848: Gold is discovered in the American River, leading to the California Gold Rush.
  • 1850: The city of Sacramento becomes the state capital of California.
  • 1856: The first railroad bridge, the Sacramento Valley Railroad Bridge, is built across the American River.
  • 1861: The Central Pacific Railroad, which would later become part of the First Transcontinental Railroad, is founded in Sacramento County.
  • 1879: The Sacramento County Courthouse, known as the Old Sacramento County Courthouse, is completed.
  • 1967: The California State University, Sacramento, is established in Sacramento County.
  • 1974: The Sacramento International Airport is opened in Sacramento County.
  • 2018: The Golden 1 Center, a multi-purpose arena, opens in downtown Sacramento.