Sacramento, California

John Sutter, a Swiss settler, erected a trade house and stockade in 1839 and called it "New Switzerland". In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill - the '49'ers Gold Rush was born. Sutter teamed up with Sam Brannan and planned a larger city to accomodate the influx of adventurers and decided to name it after a strong river that the Spanish explorers before them named Sacramento. Eventually, Sacramento usurped Monterey as the capital of the state of California.

Russells, Majors and Waddell made Sacramento the Western Terminus of the Pony Express in 1860, and set the trend- the First Transcontinental Railroad was soon to follow.

For the 2010 Pony Express Sesquicentennial, the National Pony Express Association began by taking the mocila by boat from San Fransisco to Sacramento.

There was a grand celebration when it arrived in Sacramento, and the NPEA spoke to a large crowd in front of a live orchestra in the beautiful historic downtown district. Then, the mochila was sent off toward Saint Joseph, Missouri for a 18 day 2,000 mile adventure! The mail must go!

Leaving Sacramento from Team 1861 on Vimeo.

MORE INFO:

Visit Old Town Sacramento online!

More history of Sacramento!

Learn more at the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce!

See more photos here!