Roadie: Old Sacramento

Sun sets on Old Sacramento. (7/12/14)

On the second day of my recent trip to California, we went to Old Sacramento, an eight block section of downtown Sacramento, as a way for me (in the words of my friend/host) to "get my cowboy on." Based on the pictures posted here, it would be understandable for you to incorrectly assume that Old Sacramento is a ghost town. While reviewing these pictures, I was surprised how poorly they reflect the pedestrian activity and foot traffic that occurred while we were there. Though it does carry a slight "tourist trap" air (always difficult to accept modern restaurants and chochki stores at historical venues), Old Sacramento is in fact a national historic landmark. Among the things to do there, in addition to checking out some great Western architecture, are shopping, eating (both of which we engaged in) and chances to ride on trains, riverboats and carriages.

Old Sacramento. (7/12/14)

Old Sacramento. (7/12/14)

Foreground is the site of the New England Seed store, source of what would
become the state flower, camellia. (7/12/14)

Sacramento Southern in Old Sacramento (7/12/14)

Sacramento Southern in Old Sacramento (7/12/14)

It's not an official historical town without the obligatory re-enactors! (7/12/14)

Central Pacific Rail Road depot in Old Sacramento. (7/12/14)

Myself (left), Noah and Jerry in Old Sacramento's Visitors Center. (7/12/14)

Carriage on display in Old Sacramento Visitors Center. (7/12/14)

Section of a large painting on display in Old Sacramento Visitors Center. (7/12/14)

Sign at base of Pony Express statue in Old Sacramento (7/12/14)

Interesting facts California State Parks website about the Pony Express statue sculpted by Thomas Holland: The Pony Express rider’s clothes were based on a paragraph in Mark Twain’s book Roughing It, published in 1872. Rider’s saddle and Mochilla (what they carried the mail in) were modeled after originals that are in the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Bit and bridle were designed after military “tack” of the 1850s. The sculptor gave him a wide brimmed hat instead of a skull cap, which the riders usually wore. Statue took over 2 years to design and build, including 9 months casting and finishing by Vianello Art Bronzes.

Old Sacramento (7/12/14)

Classic coach carriage rides in Old Sacramento. (7/12/14)

Your's truly and Noah on an Old Sacramento carriage ride. (7/12/14)

And on the other side: Jerry and his wife, Angie. (7/12/14) 

Old Sacramento. (7/12/14)

Front of another statue in Old Sacramento. (7/12/14)

Old Sacramento. (7/12/14)