California's First Passenger Railroad

Work started on this spot on 12 February 1855 and the line opened a year later, twenty-two miles of it, Sacramento to Folsom. It was the first railroad in the West built to carry passengers, though most of what it carried was freight for the diggings and, later, men and material for the Central Pacific. The passenger terminal stood here at Third and R, and the turntable and freight depot were at Third and Front. The plaque went up a century to the day after the first shovel.

What the plaque says

California's First Passenger Railroad The Sacramento Valley Railroad, running from Sacramento to Folsom, was begun at this site on February 12, 1855. Here, at Third and R Streets, was located the Sacramento passenger terminal. The turntable and freight depot were at Third and Front Streets. Completion of the railroad was celebrated at Folsom on February 22, 1856. Historical Landmark No. 526 Plaque erected by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento County Historical Society February 12, 1955

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Sacramento — 0.5 mi
  The Gold Rush river port that became the state capital, and jacked itself ten feet into the air to stop drowning.

More markers nearby

• E. B. Crocker Art Gallery — 0.2 mi
• Stanford-Lathrop Home — 0.5 mi
• Site of the First Jewish Synagogue Owned by a Congregation on the Pacific Coast — 0.5 mi
• Ebner's Hotel — 0.6 mi