Sacramento is the capital city of California and one of the most historically significant cities in the American West. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in the northern part of the Central Valley, it serves as the seat of California’s government and is a major economic hub for the inland region of the state.
Gold Rush Origins
Sacramento owes much of its early growth to the California Gold Rush of 1849. The city was virtually created by the flood of prospectors and settlers who poured into the region seeking fortune. By 1852, Sacramento was a bustling port town — larger than San Francisco at the time — serving as the primary supply hub for the gold fields upstream.
The city was officially laid out in December 1848 and incorporated on February 27, 1850, making it one of the oldest incorporated cities in California. It was named after the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist by Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga, who called the area “Sacramento” when he first encountered the Sacramento River valley in 1808.
Becoming the State Capital
California’s capital has moved more than a dozen times throughout the state’s history. Monterey served as the first capital under Spanish and Mexican rule, followed by San Jose, Vallejo, and Benicia. Sacramento became the permanent capital after a January 1855 court decision declared it the legal seat of government, and the legislature moved there permanently in 1855.
Old Sacramento and the Tower Bridge
Old Sacramento is one of the city’s most beloved neighbourhoods. This historic district preserves the wooden sidewalks, gas lamps, and Gold Rush-era buildings that defined the city in the 19th century. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination with museums, restaurants, and shops housed in restored brick buildings.
The Tower Bridge, completed in 1935, spans the Sacramento River and connects Sacramento to West Sacramento. Its distinctive vertical-lift design and gold-painted towers have made it one of the most iconic landmarks in the region.
Population and Growth
With a population of approximately 536,000 as of 2025, Sacramento is the 35th largest city in the United States and the 6th largest in California. The broader metropolitan area, including Roseville and Arden-Arcade, is home to over 2.4 million people. The city has experienced steady growth driven by its relatively affordable housing compared to coastal California cities and its role as a government and healthcare centre.
The City of Trees
Sacramento is widely known as the “City of Trees” — and for good reason. The urban canopy is one of the densest in the country, with majestic oaks, elms, and plane trees lining streets throughout the city. The mild Mediterranean climate, with cool wet winters and hot dry summers, creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of trees and plants.
The city’s official flower is the camellia, earning it the additional nickname “Camellia City.” Camellia Park in East Sacramento is home to thousands of camellia bushes that bloom spectacularly each spring.
Government and Economy
As the state capital, government is Sacramento’s largest employer. The California State Capitol building houses the state legislature and the governor’s office, while numerous state agencies maintain headquarters throughout the city. The federal government also has a significant presence, with multiple federal buildings and courthouses downtown.
Beyond government, Sacramento’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and agriculture. The University of California, Davis — located just 15 miles west — is a major research institution and employer. The surrounding Central Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, producing almonds, tomatoes, rice, and wine grapes.
Sports and Culture
Sacramento is home to the Sacramento Kings, the city’s beloved NBA franchise. The team plays at the Golden 1 Center, a state-of-the-art arena that opened in 2016 and has helped revitalise downtown Sacramento.
The Crocker Art Museum, founded in 1885, is the oldest art museum in the western United States and houses an impressive collection of California art, European paintings, and Asian ceramics. The city also hosts the annual Sacramento Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz events on the West Coast.
Climate and Geography
Sacramento sits at just 26 feet above sea level in the flat Central Valley. Summers are hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C) in July and August. Winters are mild and wet, with most of the city’s modest rainfall occurring between November and March. Tule fog — a thick ground fog that settles in the valley during winter mornings — is a distinctive feature of the region.
The city covers approximately 100 square miles and is bordered by the Sacramento River to the west and the American River to the north. Its motto, “Urbs Indomita” (Indomitable City), reflects the resilience of a city that has survived floods, fires, and earthquakes throughout its history.
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