Sacramento was built in 1948 on property held by Captain James Sutter. This was the same year James Marshall discovered gold in the South Fork of the American River at Sutter’s Mill. Sacramento flourished as a supply town for the ‘49ers who came to the area to pan for gold. Sacramento became the state capital in 1854, four years after California was admitted to the Union. The railroad connected California to the rest of the country in 1856, and the Pony Express had a terminus there. Farming and agricultural roots were set down in the fertile soil, and Sacramento became, and still is, an important hub for highway, rail, and river travel. A deep-water channel connects Sacramento to San Francisco Bay, making Sacramento a major inland port. Military installations and aviation industries contribute to the economy. Government in action can be seen every day in the state’s capital.

The State Capitol, which took 14 years to build, has a glass dome rising 210 feet above the street. Historical and art exhibits can be seen in the main building. The Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park contains furniture and personal effects of former governors of the state. Ronald Regan was the last governor to live in the mansion. The State Library houses a collection of early state newspapers. Also in the Library is a 100-foot mural in a granite structure created by Maynard Dixon. Near the capitol mall is Old Sacramento, a four-block area that served as the commercial center during the Gold Rush. The region’s rich history is preserved in the redeveloped area, which now contains museums, restaurants and shops.

The California Military Museum honors Californians who served during peace, wartime and disasters. There are exhibits and displays of weapons, uniforms, flags, medals, documents, and photographs. Listed on 22 shiny black granite panels, the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial contains the names of 5,822 Californians who are missing or dead. The California State Railroad Museum celebrates the history of the railroad with exhibits, displays, a slide show and a short film. Sports fans can attend a Kings basketball game at Arco arena. Along with the Sacramento River, water sports can be enjoyed at Lake Tahoe and Folsom Lake, both easy drives from Sacramento. Skiers and mountain bikers will find Lake Tahoe close enough for day trips.

Recreation, community festivals and shopping are highly appreciated by Greenhaven and South Land Park residents. In Greenhaven, Seymour Park provides picnic areas, playgrounds and ball fields and the community’s annual summer jazz festival provides a wonderful opportunity for spirited celebration. Belle Cooledge Community Center in the South Land Park area offers indoor recreation, recreation classes and meeting rooms. Excellent shopping opportunities for the two communities are found in the Westfield Mall and the Arden Fair Mall.